South Carolina drivers can participate in the state’s Traffic Education Program to become safer drivers. The program offers benefits for dismissing traffic tickets, reducing driving record points, and qualifying for a discount on auto insurance rates.
Defensive Driving Courses in South Carolina
In South Carolina, traffic law violators are charged on a points system. Every traffic violation is assigned a certain number of points, and if you’re convicted of a traffic violation, you will have points added to your driver record. After one year, points are reduced by half, and disappear after the second year.
If you accumulate six or more points on your driver record, you will receive a warning letter to drive more carefully. Once your points total reaches 12, your driver’s license will be suspended. Additionally, some traffic law violations will require a mandatory license suspension regardless of the point system.
South Carolina drivers who want or need to reduce accumulated points on their driver record can do so by enrolling in a state-approved defensive driving course. Four for each eight-hour course completed, points can be diminished, and drivers can reduce issues once every three years. To avoid a suspension, courses must be met before the suspension begins.
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Additionally, drivers can participate in the Traffic Education Program to have tickets dismissed. This includes a defensive driving course, community service, and payment to the Traffic Education Program.
South Carolina Defensive Driving Course Eligibility
South Carolina defensive driving courses are available to most drivers with a traffic ticket or driving record points. There are few exceptions to eligibility, but they include:
- drivers who do not currently hold a valid driver’s license
- drivers with a significant history of traffic violations
- drivers facing a major traffic charge
- offenses with no points value
- drivers who have previously participated in the program (eligibility varies by year and individual situation)
South Carolina Traffic Ticket Dismissal with Defensive Driving
Drivers who have been charged with a moving violation have the opportunity to participate in the Traffic Education Program to dismiss their ticket and maintain a clean driving record. To participate in the program, drivers are required to fill out an application and attend orientation. Payment must be made to the program, and fines may apply as well. Drivers will be required to complete a four-hour defensive driving education course and four hours of community service for a nonprofit agency.
The program must be completed within 120 days of application. Participants who fail to complete the program on time will not get credit for enrolling and have their ticket added to their driving record. They may be required to pay an additional fine as well.
Before enrolling in a defensive driving education course, be sure to apply for the program, attend orientation, and ask for a list of approved courses. Drivers who enroll in a course without approval may not get credit for completing the course.
Defensive Driving Courses Available in South Carolina
South Carolina offers two different defensive driving course lengths. Drivers who participate in the Traffic Education Program to dismiss a traffic ticket will enroll in a four-hour defensive driving program. In contrast, drivers removing points from their driving record will complete an eight-hour defensive driving program. Both programs may be offered online or in the classroom and provided in a single day or multiple sessions. Both provide education in defensive driving, safe driving techniques, and South Carolina traffic laws and regulations. Most courses include curriculum in:
- defensive driving techniques
- the impact of drugs and alcohol on driving
- proper use of safety equipment including anti-lock brakes, seat belts, airbags, and car seats
- avoiding road rage and aggressive driving
- safe driving techniques
- collision avoidance
- avoiding distractions while driving
- current and updated South Carolina traffic laws and regulations
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Defensive Driving for Car Insurance Discounts in South Carolina
Defensive driving is often used for points reduction and avoiding a traffic violation on your driving record, but defensive driving can be used for voluntary learning. The courses teach valuable lessons that can be life-saving, and often, insurance carriers will offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course.
South Carolina Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts
After completing a defensive driving course in South Carolina, many insurance companies will offer a discount on insurance premiums. Most drivers who have completed the course will receive a discount on auto insurance liability premiums between 5% and 20%. Typically, values are about 10% and can be renewed regularly.
South Carolina Defensive Driving Insurance Discount Eligibility
In South Carolina, defensive driving discounts are available to most drivers. While car insurance companies will often offer discounts exclusively to mature or new teenage drivers, discounts may also be provided to all drivers. It’s best to check with your insurance company directly to find out if you’re eligible. If you’re not, consider reaching out to other insurance companies to determine if they have a program for you to take advantage of.
Insurance Defensive Driving Courses Available in South Carolina
South Carolina defensive driving courses for insurance rate reductions are typically the same courses taken by drivers seeking to reduce points on their driving record. This course offers potentially life-saving education in defensive driving topics, including collision avoidance and safe driving habits. Curriculum typically includes:
South Carolina’s insurance reduction defensive driving course is offered by the same providers as the points reduction defensive driving course. The six-hour course provides instruction in defensive driving techniques and safe driving resources. This includes curriculum in:
- Defensive driving techniques
- collision avoidance
- impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- responsible driving practices
- vehicle safety features
- South Carolina traffic laws and regulations
Enroll in a South Carolina Defensive Driving Course
Improve your driving skills, driving record, and insurance today with a defensive driving course. Find a qualified, state-approved provider for your course in our directory.
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