South Carolina § 56-1-396 - Driver's license suspension amnesty period.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-1-396 — Driver's license suspension amnesty period., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 56-1-396. Driver's license suspension amnesty period.
(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall establish a driver's license suspension amnesty period.
(B) The amnesty period must be for one week on an annual basis at the department's discretion.
(C) During the amnesty period, a person whose driver's license is suspended prior to the amnesty period may apply to the department to have qualifying suspensions cleared.
(D) If the person has met all conditions for reinstatement other than service of the suspension period, including payment of all applicable fees, the department must reinstate the person's driver's license.
(E) If the qualifying suspensions are cleared, but nonqualifying suspensions remain to be served, the department must recalculate the remaining suspension start dates to begin as soon as feasible.
(F) Qualifying suspensions include, and are limited to, suspensions pursuant to Sections 56-1-185, 56-1-290, 56-1-460(A)(1), and 56-10-520. Qualifying suspensions do not include suspensions pursuant to Section 56-5-2990 or 56-5-2945, and do not include suspensions pursuant to Section 56-1-460, if the person drives a motor vehicle when the person's license has been suspended or revoked pursuant to Section 56-5-2990 or 56-5-2945.
HISTORY: 2010 Act No. 273, SECTION 15.B, eff June 2, 2010; 2016 Act No. 154 (H.3545), SECTION 11, eff April 21, 2016; 2023 Act No. 51 (S.549), SECTION 2, eff May 18, 2023.
Editor's Note
Section 56-10-270, referenced in subsection (F), was repealed by 2002 Act No. 324, SECTION 10.
Effect of Amendment
2023 Act No. 51, SECTION 2, in (F), in the first sentence, substituted "Sections 56-1-185, 56-1-290, 56-1-460(A)(1), and 56-10-520" for "Sections 34-11-70, 56-1-120, 56-1-170, 56-1-185, 56-1-240, 56-1-270, 56-1-290, 56-1-460(A)(1), 56-2-2740, 56-9-351, 56-9-354, 56-9-357, 56-9-430, 56-9-490, 56-9-610, 56-9-620, 56-10-225, 56-10-240, 56-10-270, 56-10-520, 56-10-530, and 56-25-20".
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 56-1-396
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-1-396 cover?
Section 56-1-396 ("Driver's license suspension amnesty period.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 56-1-396?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-1-396" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 56-1-396 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.