How long do I have to respond to a traffic ticket?

In South Carolina, you must respond to a traffic ticket within 30 days of the date the ticket was issued. If you fail to respond to the ticket within the designated time frame, you will be required to pay a fine of up to twice the amount that would have been due if you had responded in time. Depending on the severity of the offense, you may also have your driver’s license suspended or revoked. In addition, if you do not show up for court or pay your fines within the 30 days, a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest. Once a bench warrant is issued, unavoidable fees will be added to the cost of your ticket—which will continue to increase the longer you wait. Typically when a ticket is issued, the police officer will explain to you what you must do to properly respond. If you have any questions or need clarification, you should contact the court or the police department that issued the ticket and ask for the details. It is important to note that if you have a commercial driver’s license, special rules may apply. If you are subject to these rules, it is best to contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles for specific details.

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