South Carolina has some very strict punishments in place for driving under the influence. The goal is to keep you from getting behind the wheel when you shouldn’t in the future. But one of the most common questions people ask when speaking to their South Carolina DUI defense attorney is if they can drive after a DUI. The answer isn’t as simple as you might think, but in many cases, you’ll be able to get back behind the wheel. Here’s what you need to know.
Your License Will Be Suspended if You’re Convicted
If you’re convicted of a DUI, your full or regular driver’s license will be suspended for at least six months. If you’re a repeat offender or your actions on the road resulted in an accident, your license may be suspended for a longer time. If your actions resulted in injuries to others or killed someone, you may lose your right to drive entirely.
Your South Carolina DUI defense attorney will be able to explain things in more detail based on the circumstances of your case.
You May Qualify for a Restricted License
Even though your full license will be suspended, you may qualify for a restricted driver’s license. Let’s take a look at the common types of licenses the state issues for those convicted of DUI.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) License
IID licenses can be issued to qualifying drivers. These licenses require you to install and maintain an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you’ll drive and gives you permission to drive as long as you’re using your vehicle with a valid IID installed.
These devices require you to blow into the device before you can start the vehicle. The IID acts like a breathalyzer and checks your BAC level. If you haven’t had anything to drink, the car will start without issue.
Keep in mind that you may need to recheck your breath several times during long drives to show that you’re maintaining sobriety behind the wheel.
Route Restricted License
Route restricted driver’s licenses allow you to use your car to go to pre-approved locations along pre-approved routes. These licenses allow you to go to work, school, doctors’ appointments, and other similar locations, letting you maintain your normal routines while still accommodating the state’s minimum six-month license suspension.
If you’re caught driving to a non-approved location or traveling along a different route without a clear and justifiable reason (like an accident rerouting traffic or a construction detour), you could face additional penalties, including losing your route restricted license.
Provisional Driver’s License
If your DUI violation happened on or before May 18, 2024, you may qualify for a provisional license as long as your BAC was no higher than 0.16% and your DUI was your first offense. These licenses are more flexible than route restricted licenses, letting you drive using any route to any location as long as you’re traveling in the state.
Your South Carolina DUI Defense Attorney Can Help
Ultimately, you may be able to drive even if your license has been suspended by the state, but the type of license you may qualify for will depend on your case and the circumstances surrounding your DUI. Your South Carolina DUI defense attorney will help you review your case and figure out which licenses you may qualify for.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re facing DUI charges, you may still be able to drive even if you’re convicted. But you’ll still want to have a trustworthy South Carolina DUI defense attorney to represent you in court. At Truslow & Truslow, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.