Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Tickets

What happens if I miss my court appearance?
If you or your attorney do not appear at the court identified on the ticket on the appointed date and time, you will be convicted in your absence. If the fine is not paid in a timely manner, a warrant will be entered for your arrest. This arrest warrant will remain in effect until you appear before the Court which issued the warrant or the warrant is otherwise lifted.
What happens if I am convicted?
A conviction in a South Carolina "traffic" court is reported to the SC Department of Motor Vehicles, who will report it to the Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency in the state which issued you your driver’s license. The conviction will appear on your driving record as the closest and/or equivalent offence under the laws of the state which issued your license.
What happens if I just pay the fine?
If you pay the fine and do not appear in Court, you have pleaded guilty.
What should I do if I get pulled over?
Always be courteous. At any traffic stop, the law enforcement officer (i.e. in South Carolina, typically a police officer, highway patrolman, or deputy sheriff) is always right. Do not argue with him, use an arrogant or angry tone of voice, or take any action or state any words that might cause the slightest offence to him even if you believe his actions or words are rude, arrogant, improper, illegal, or unfair. The officer has tremendous discretion. Your actions as a motorist can result in a speeding ticket or a citation for reckless driving, depending on the whim of the officer.
Can I represent myself when I appear in court?
Although you may represent yourself in court, you cannot represent another person unless you are a lawyer. Representation of another person by a nonlawyer is the "unauthorized practice of law" under the law of South Carolina and may result in prosecution.
What should I do if I am cited for "careless operation"?
If you hold a North Carolina driver’s license, never pay a fine or plead guilty to careless operation in a South Carolina traffic court. While careless operation is a relatively minor offence in South Carolina, which carries no points, North Carolina considers careless operation to be the same as reckless driving, so your North Carolina driving record will reflect a conviction for reckless driving and not for careless operation. This rule might apply to other states as well, depending upon whether the law of those states distinguishes between reckless driving and careless operation.

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