Recent South Carolina DUI Law Changes
What changed, when it took effect, and who it affects.
May 19, 2024
Ignition interlock for every DUI conviction (“All Offender” law, S. 36, Act No. 55 of 2023)
Every driver convicted of DUI must now join the Ignition Interlock Device Program, whatever the BAC. A first offense requires the device for 6 months, and first offenders no longer get the old provisional license.
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.