Drivers who disobey a traffic law in South Carolina are often fined if they receive a ticket from a law enforcement official. However, some traffic offenses are more severe than others, and some are associated with higher fines than others.

1. DUI

Drivers who operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of 0.08 or above can be pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence. When this occurs, drivers may be fined and depending on the circumstances of the arrest, they may have to spend time in jail. Additionally, drivers who receive a DUI often have to file an SR-22 and will end up paying more for vehicle insurance.

2. Reckless Driving

Drivers can be pulled over by a law enforcement official for reckless driving if they operate a vehicle in a manner that endangers the lives of others. While speeding is often a factor that contributes to reckless driving, this traffic offense can be committed in a variety of different situations. For example, a driver may be fined for reckless driving if he or she continually cuts off other drivers in heavy traffic.

3. Speeding

When drivers exceed the speed limit, they can be pulled over and fined for speeding. However, how much drivers are fined for this offense depends on how fast they were driving. For instance, a driver who operates a vehicle 10 mph over the speed limit will be fined less than a driver who operates a vehicle 25 mph over the speed limit.

4. Running a Red Light

Drivers can be fined for running a red light when they intentionally proceed through an intersection after the light has turns red. In addition to being fined, drivers will find that their insurance premiums drastically increase for this type of traffic offense.

5. Driving Without a License

In order to operate a vehicle in South Carolina legally, all drivers must have a valid license and carry this license with them whenever they drive. Drivers who are pulled over for operating a vehicle without a license can be fined significantly for this offense.

When drivers receive a ticket for any one of these offenses, they can pay the fine or challenge the traffic citation in a court of law. Drivers who decide to challenge their ticket in court to potentially avoid paying the fine or to have the charges against them reduced should consider reaching out to an attorney for assistance. When this occurs, drivers may benefit from working with the legal professionals at the office of Nosal & Jeter, LLP.