After drivers receive a traffic ticket in South Carolina for speeding, parking illegally, or committing any other type of traffic offense, they often have many questions about how the fine will affect their license and insurance and what steps they should take next. Here are a few common questions about traffic tickets in the state and their answers.

What Should You Do After You Receive a Ticket?

After receiving a traffic ticket, alleged offenders should determine whether or not they want to pay the fine,  or contest the fine in court. This decision should be made with careful consideration and only after all factors surrounding the situation have been analyzed and consequences are carefully evaluated. Remember that paying the fine is pleading guilty! 

Which Court Will Handle the Ticket?

Most magistrate and municipal courts throughout the state of South Carolina are equipped to handle traffic tickets. However, drivers who receive a traffic ticket should remember that the court that will be handling their ticket will be listed on their citation along with their court date, time, and place to appear.

What Factors Impact the Fine?

The total cost of a traffic ticket depends on a variety of different factors. These can include the traffic violation itself, violation surcharges, such as those associated with receiving a DUI, and any penalty costs, which may include license reinstatement fees.

How Long Do Points Remain On a Person’s Driving Record?

In many cases, drivers have points added to their driving record after they commit a traffic violation. According to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, every traffic violation in the state is assigned a certain number of points. Depending on the violation, these points will typically remain on a person’s record for one to two years.  However, this does not apply to drivers who are licensed in other states. The home state DMV for an out of state driver will assess points for a South Carolina ticket based on their own point system.

Receiving a traffic violation is a process that can be associated with many other questions, financial concerns, and uncertainty about how to handle the legal process. Drivers who would like to receive answers to their questions after receiving a traffic fine, in addition to legal assistance, should reach out to the attorneys at Nosal & Jeter, LLP.