As a result of passing legislation similar to the Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, South Carolina now participates in a standardised system for identifying and vetting those who operate commercial vehicles.
When Do You Need a South Carolina CDL?
All of the following motor vehicles in South Carolina require a valid CDL:
Only “combination” vehicles with a GCWR greater than 26,000 pounds and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds qualify for CLASS A. Any vehicle that falls under the purview of Class B, Class C, or Class D may be driven by someone with a Class A CDL (and the appropriate endorsements).
Class B includes single or multiple vehicle configurations with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 26,001 pounds. It’s not safe to tow a vehicle that weighs more than 10,000 pounds. In South Carolina, a Class B CDL holder (with the necessary endorsements) is permitted to drive any Class C or D vehicle.
CLASS C – Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not fall into Group A or Group B as defined here, but which is used to transport materials determined to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act & which require the motor vehicle to be placarded as per the Hazardous Materials Regulations.
Class D: Typically used by the general public.
Minimum Age to Obtain a CDL in South Carolina
Inside a state’s borders, drivers must be at least 18 years old.
The minimum age requirement to:
crossed state boundaries in commercial vehicles (interstate)
cart Dangerous Goods
Exactly how much does it set you back to get your CDL in the Palmetto State?
- Payments for Commercial Driver’s Licenses
- A fee of $15.00 is assessed per application for a commercial driver’s licence (CDL), with the exception of public school bus drivers.
- A CDL permit costs $2.50 for a period of six months and can be renewed once every two years.
- The CDL Knowledge Exam costs $2.00 per try, regardless of success.
- Prices for CDL Licenses range from $12.50 to $18.00. Commercial driver’s licence valid for five years
When applying for a CDL, you’ll need to show proof of identity. Here are a few examples of acceptable formats:
- Proof of Parentage
- Identification Card for Social Security
- Proof of American Citizenship and Birth: A Passport or Certificate of Live Birth
- A valid licence to drive in South Carolina
- Driving privileges from another state
- A valid military ID
Suspensions Caused by Alcohol
If a commercial driver has a history of drunk driving, an official, typically a presiding judge, may issue an OSO (Out of Service Order). Some instances are:
A conviction for DUI or DUAC while operating a motor vehicle, regardless of whether the vehicle was being driven for hire or for personal use.
- Blood or breath test results were invalid
- Choosing not to submit a chemical sample
Suspension times can change. The standard penalty for a first offence is ninety days, the maximum for a second offence within ten years is two years, and the maximum for the third offence within ten years is five years. A third infraction, depending on the circumstances, could lead to permanent exclusion.
Suspensions of Sentence for Crimes
Depending on the crime, a South Carolina court could take away your CDL for up to a year if you’re found guilty there.
- Carrying out a criminal act involving the use of a motor vehicle
- Involuntary abandonment of the scene of an accident
- Using a vehicle while your licence is suspended
- resulting in a tragic collision
After a suspension period ends, a CDL doesn’t necessarily become valid again. The driver must instead submit a reinstatement request. In most cases, you’ll need to pay a fee and show proof of insurance to complete the process.
Disruptions to Traffic
In South Carolina, not all moving violations result in licence suspension. This fine is reserved for the most severe infractions, such as
The speed limit by more than 15 mph
Too close in pursuit
reckless lane changes
Driving with carelessness
Using a commercial vehicle without the proper documentation
Intentional or reckless violation of a traffic law that causes death or serious bodily harm
Scores are awarded for each successful prosecution (as opposed to mere arrest). If you get two points in three years, you get suspended for 60 days. In the event of a third violation within the same time frame, a further 120-day suspension will be imposed.