What types of traffic offenses require a court appearance?

In South Carolina, certain traffic offenses carry the requirement to appear before a court. Generally, these offenses are considered more serious than the average traffic violation. Types of offenses that require a court appearance include drunk driving, reckless driving, driving without a valid license, and drag racing. Any violation that involves the potential loss of a driver’s license generally requires a court appearance for adjudication. For more serious traffic offenses, such as DUI, felonies including vehicular manslaughter, or third and subsequent traffic violations, South Carolina requires a mandatory court appearance. Additionally, any driver who is issued a ticket that does not include the signature of a law enforcement officer must appear in person before a judge to verify the violation. In South Carolina, drivers must appear in court to contest a ticket. If an individual is found guilty of the infraction, a judge may impose a variety of penalties, including fines, probation, license suspension, community service, or jail time. Fines for serious offenses such as DUIs are often substantially higher than for other traffic violations. For minor violations, such as speeding, running a red light, or not wearing a seatbelt, individuals can choose to pay the fine or contest the ticket in court. If an individual chooses to contest a ticket, the violation must be proven before a judge to avoid additional penalties.

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What types of traffic offenses require a court appearance?

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