The Department of Motor Vehicles must require the person, if a subsequent offender, to install an ignition interlock device. The DMV may waive the requirements of this section if it finds that the offender has a medical condition that makes him incapable of properly operating the installed device. The length of time that an interlock device is required to be affixed to a motor vehicle following the completion of a period of license suspension imposed on the offender is 2 years for a second offense, 3 years for a third offense, and the remainder of the offender’s life for a fourth or subsequent offense.
Notwithstanding the pleadings, for purposes of a second or a subsequent offense, the specified length of time that an interlock device is required to be affixed to a motor vehicle is based on the Department of Motor Vehicle’s records for offenses.
In addition, first time DUI offenders with a BAC < 0.15 are required to install an ignition interlock device for six months. DUI offenders who cause great bodily harm to another must obtain an ignition interlock restricted license for three years; five years for causing death. DUI offenders convicted of child endangerment must install an ignition interlock device for three months.”
Exemptions: Financial hardship, medical, employer.
DUI Arrest Statistics and South Carolina Drunk Driving Statistics
| DUI Arrest Statistics | Data | |
| Average number of people arrested annually for drunk driving | 1,500,000 | |
| South Carolina DUI’s | 14,742 | 4,679,230 |
* Sources: State Justice Department, Federal Highway Administration
