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What is considered reckless driving in South Carolina?

I was on vacation in South Carolina when I got pulled over for speeding. The officer warned me I could be charged with reckless driving, but I was only going 23 mph over the speed limit. Where I’m from, it’s not reckless driving until 30 mph over the limit, so what is reckless driving in South Carolina?

avatar
Macy Fouse · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It is confusing! Because reckless driving rules differ so much from state to state, it’s super important to know the law where you live or travel. In
South Carolina
, reckless driving is considered any driving that exhibits a “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of people or property.
The definition of reckless driving is vague, so it’s hard to know what behaviors to avoid specifically. In South Carolina, these behaviors can look like:
  • Driving 25 mph over the speed limit
  • Failing to yield right of way
  • Racing
  • Tailgating
  • Weaving in and out of traffic without signaling
  • Passing on a two-lane highway with limited visibility
  • Improper start (aka “peeling out”)
  • Failing to stop for a police officer
Because many of these behaviors are subjective and up to the police officer’s discretion, it’s safest to drive with caution at all times.
Like many other states, reckless driving in South Carolina is considered a misdemeanor criminal offense, as well as a traffic offense. This charge is punishable by a maximum jail sentence of 30 days, a fine of up to $200, and six points on your driving record.
Not only that, but reckless driving can seriously harm your
car insurance
rates, driving them up an average of 91%. So whether your record is spotless or you’ve got a reckless driving conviction to deal with,
Jerry
is the best way to find the lowest prices possible. Jerry saves users an average of $887 on annual car insurance!
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