Expired Registration in South Carolina
Motor vehicle registration is a requirement in South Carolina to legally operate your vehicle on its roads and highways. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) conducts all vehicle registration processes throughout the state. The South Carolina Highway Patrol, a division of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, implements registration laws on the state's roadways.
State Code Provisions in South Carolina
South Carolina enforces Title 56 (Motor Vehicles) of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which establishes the framework for vehicle registration, renewal requirements, penalties for violations, and enforcement systems. Chapter 3 specifically addresses motor vehicle registration and licensing, including application procedures, display requirements, penalties for violations, and enforcement mechanisms.
Registration Terms and Expiration in South Carolina
Registration Renewal System
South Carolina operates a biennial registration system for most motor vehicles. Vehicle registrations are valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance, as administered by the SCDMV.
Standard Vehicle Registration:
- Most passenger vehicle registrations expire two years from the original registration date
- Registrations expire at midnight on the expiration date listed on the registration card
- Example: A vehicle registered on December 15 will have a registration that expires on December 15, two years after
Grace Period for Expired Registration:
South Carolina provides a 30-day grace period for expired vehicle registration. According to Section 56-3-840 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, vehicle owners have 30 days from the expiration date to renew their registration before facing criminal penalties for operating the vehicle on public roads. However, administrative late fees begin accruing immediately after the expiration date, even during the grace period.
Special Vehicle Categories:
- Commercial Vehicles: Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) follow annual renewal requirements with credentials expiring yearly
- Fleet Vehicles: Companies with fleet registrations receive renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiration
Penalties for Expired Registration in South Carolina
South Carolina assesses both administrative penalties for late renewal and criminal penalties for operating vehicles with expired registration.
Administrative Penalties
South Carolina imposes administrative late fees for renewing expired registrations, with penalty amounts varying based on how long the registration has been expired.
Penalties for Late Registration Renewal:
| Days Late | Penalty Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 to 14 days | $10.00 |
| 15 to 30 days | $25.00 |
| 31 to 90 days | $50.00 |
| Over 90 days | $75.00 |
These administrative penalties are assessed by the Department of Motor Vehicles in addition to the regular biennial registration fees. Vehicle owners will be billed by the SCDMV for any late registration fees due.
Traffic Violations
Operating a motor vehicle with registration that has expired for more than 30 days on South Carolina roadways constitutes a criminal violation under state law.
Violations and Criminal Classification:
| Statute | Violation | Classification | Maximum Fine | Maximum Imprisonment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56-3-110 | Operating unregistered vehicle on highway | Misdemeanor | $100 | 30 days |
| 56-3-840 | Operating vehicle with delinquent registration (after 30-day grace period) | Misdemeanor | $100 | 30 days |
Government Agencies
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard
Building C
Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: (803) 896-5000
Official Website: SCDMV
South Carolina Highway Patrol
10311 Wilson Blvd.
Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: (803) 896-7920
Official Website: SC Highway Patrol
