What a DUI Costs in South Carolina
Fees and fines set by the state. Attorney fees, insurance increases, and lost work come on top and vary by case.
First-offense DUI fine, under 0.10
$400 (about $992 with assessments)
First-offense DUI fine, 0.16 or more
$1,000 before assessments
Second-offense DUI fine
$2,100 to $5,100 (about $10,744.50 with assessments)
SCDMV reinstatement fee
$100 per suspension
Charged for each suspension unless a different amount applies.
Temporary alcohol license (TAL) while a hearing request is pending
$100
For violations on or after May 19, 2024.
ADSAP fees
$500 for education; total with treatment capped at $2,500
Official sources
- SCDPS — Impaired Driving Laws
- SCDPS — SC Laws Relative to Impaired Driving
- SCDPS — Alcohol and Impaired Driving
- SCDPS — All Offender interlock law announcement (May 2024)
- SCDMV — License Reinstatement
- S.C. Code §56-5-2930 (Lexington County Magistrate reproduction)
- S.C. Legislature — 2025–2026 Bill 192 (implied consent text)
- S.C. Legislature — 2025–2026 Bill 52 (DUI rewrite, pending)
- S.C. House Legislative Update, April 8, 2014 (Emma’s Law)
- Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings — Rules of Procedure
- SC Dept. of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services — Ignition Interlock
- SC DPPPS — Ignition Interlock Program Procedures
- SC DAODAS — Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program brochure (2025)
- S.C. House Oversight — Court types, cases heard, and who prosecutes
- S.C. Code of Laws Title 22, Chapter 3 — Magistrates’ jurisdiction
- S.C. Legislature — S. 36 (2023–2024), ignition interlock (Act No. 55 of 2023)
- S.C. Legislature — S. 36 (2023–2024) bill history
- Office of the Governor — Ceremonial bill signing for S. 36, Ignition Interlock
- SCDMV — Pay Reinstatement Fees
- City of Charleston — Municipal Court
- City of Columbia — Municipal Court
- City of Columbia Municipal Court — Jury Duty
- S.C. Judicial Branch — Municipal Court directory
- S.C. Judicial Branch — Magistrate Court directory
Educational information, not legal advice. South Carolina law changes and every case is different. Confirm deadlines with South Carolina DMV and talk to a licensed South Carolina attorney about your situation.
Some details on this page are still being verified against official sources. Check the linked sources before relying on a specific number or deadline.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.