South Carolina Hardship License After DUI
South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteSouth Carolina at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$100
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina operates under a tort liability system and requires SR-22 filing after DUI conviction — FR-44 does not apply here. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles mandates ignition interlock device installation for all DUI offenses, including first-time convictions, before any restricted license is issued. Proof of SR-22 insurance must be on file with SCDMV before you can schedule IID installation or hardship license issuance.
SR-22 Liability Insurance
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Ignition Interlock Insurance Endorsement
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
What Drivers Pay in South Carolina
$327–$411/mo
Typical monthly rate in South Carolina, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Switching carriers mid-filing period triggers a new SR-22 filing fee and potential coverage gap — South Carolina SCDMV receives lapse notice within 10 days if the old policy cancels before the new SR-22 is filed.
Drive Legally on Your Restricted License
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteIf your license is suspended
Route Restricted Drivers License (DL-127); separate Provisional License for first-offense DUI/DUAC
application fee $100.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state acts on a lapse after 20 days.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does SR-22 filing last after a DUI in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires 3 years of continuous SR-22 filing after DUI conviction, measured from the conviction date not the filing date. If your policy lapses at any point during those 3 years, SCDMV is notified within 10 days and your license is suspended immediately. The 3-year clock does not reset if you change carriers, but you must ensure the new carrier files SR-22 before the old policy cancels or you face suspension.
Does South Carolina use FR-44 filing for DUI cases?
No — South Carolina uses SR-22 filing only. FR-44 applies exclusively in Florida and Virginia for DUI offenses. If you move to South Carolina from Florida or Virginia with an active FR-44 requirement, you must convert to SR-22 with a South Carolina carrier and file with SCDMV to maintain legal driving status.
Can I use a Route Restricted License to drive to work in another state?
No — South Carolina Route Restricted License limits you to approved addresses within South Carolina only. If your work location is in North Carolina or Georgia, you must list the out-of-state address on your SCDMV hardship application and receive explicit approval. Deviation from approved routes, times, or states is a criminal violation and results in immediate license revocation.
Coverage Types
Route Restricted License
South Carolina's hardship license for DUI offenders, called a Route Restricted License, allows driving only to work, school, medical appointments, DUI program, and IID service appointments. You submit approved locations and times to SCDMV — deviation from these routes is a criminal violation.
Ignition Interlock Requirement
South Carolina mandates IID installation for all DUI offenses — first offense requires 6 months, second offense 2 years, third offense 3 years. Device prevents vehicle start if breath sample detects alcohol above .02 BAC.
SR-22 Filing Requirement
SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility your insurance carrier files with SCDMV proving continuous coverage. South Carolina requires 3-year SR-22 filing after DUI conviction. Any lapse triggers immediate license suspension.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Non-owner SR-22 provides liability coverage when you drive a vehicle you do not own and satisfies South Carolina's SR-22 requirement. Required if you sold your vehicle, lost it to impound, or never owned one but need a Route Restricted License.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
High-risk carriers specialize in SR-22 policies for drivers with DUI convictions, suspended licenses, or multiple violations. These carriers often approve coverage faster and with fewer restrictions than standard carriers.
DUI Program Completion Insurance
South Carolina requires completion of ADSAP (Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program) before full license reinstatement. Your SR-22 insurance must remain active throughout ADSAP enrollment — premiums may decrease slightly after program completion but SR-22 filing continues for the full 3 years.