Drink-driving limits in South Carolina (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: The general alcohol limit is set in state law and is shown where verified.

Rule	What applies
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.08 % blood alcohol ^[1]
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol	⚠ Not yet verified
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol	Under 21: the Department of Motor Vehicles suspends the licence or permit of a driver with an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more. ^[2]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol	A commercial motor vehicle driver with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle; any measurable alcohol means 24 hours out of service. ^[2]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol	Unlawful alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, first offence: a fine of $400 or 48 hours to 30 days in prison (at 0.16 or more: a fine of $1,000 or 30 to 90 days). Fourth or later offence: 1 to 5 years in prison (2 to 6 years at 0.10 to under 0.16; 3 to 7 years at 0.16 or more). ^[3]

Notes

South Carolina Legislature: Code of Laws Title 56, Chapter 5 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
South Carolina Legislature: Code of Laws Title 56, Chapter 1, Sections 56-1-286 and 56-1-2120 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
South Carolina Legislature: Code of Laws Title 56, Chapter 5, Section 56-5-2933 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources

These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States

Limit for professional or commercial drivers	0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register))

State	Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers	Lower limit for novice or young drivers	Limit for professional or commercial drivers	Random breath tests without suspicion	Maximum penalties
South Carolina	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	1st: $400 or 48 h-30 days
Georgia	0.08%	0.02% under 21	0.04% in a commercial vehicle	Yes, sobriety roadchecks	Up to 1 year jail, $300-1,000 fine
North Carolina	0.08%	Zero (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicles)	Checkpoints authorised (set pattern)	Up to $10,000 and 36 months (aggravated)

CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (conditional licence, daylight only) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (beginner's permit)
E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no small bottle rockets) · Minimum age to buy: 16
Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No general rule; limits at schools · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.