Tougher South Carolina DUI Law Now In Effect
A tougher South Carolina DUI law is now in effect. As of Sunday May 19, South Carolina’s efforts to crack down on drunk drivers just got stricter. And this new law is the first of its kind in the Palmetto State in nearly ten years.
Tougher South Carolina DUI Law Now In Effect
Steve Burritt is the South Carolina/North Carolina regional director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and he tells Fox Carolina, “It’s never been a good idea, obviously, to drive impaired, but the consequences do get stronger, and we hope people take that into account and they think about their decision-making.” So what are the new changes?
How Does It Work?
According to our source, Fox Carolina, “the law temporarily imposes an ignition interlock requirement on all DUI convictions. And that means even the first one. Here’s how they work. The device is wired into the offenders ignition system. And its the size of a cell phone. For those who have a DUI conviction, they must breathe into the device. And if there is even a teeny weeny trace of alcohol, the car will not start.
Jodi Gallman is with the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. Jodi tells Fox Carolina , “Once they fail the test, we are notified”. The law itself is actually not new. Governor Henry McMaster signed it into law in 2023. But it has taken a while so the appropriate agencies would have time to beef up staffing, update computers and distribute word about the change.
The ignition interlock is not new for people with multiple DUI convictions. But this new law applies to any first DUI conviction. Burritt says this works. “Nationwide, since 2006, ignition interlock devices have blocked 4.8 million drunk driving trips”. 3,000 drunk drivers were prohibited from driving in 2022 thanks to this device. And officials say that number will double under the new law.
Not only will those convicted of DUI’s in South Carolina have to use this device, they will also have to pay for it. The cost of operating it is around $130 dollars and that cost is the responsibility of the individual. As of Sunday this tougher South Carolina DUI law is now in effect. To get more information, check out details from our source Fox Carolina right here.
South Carolina Named In The Top 3 Most Charming States
10. Mississippi
Southern Charm: 3.1
Politeness: 3.1
Helpfulness: 3.1
Friendliness: 3.1
Total: 12.3
It doesn’t get much more south than Mississippi. They ranked 10th from other state’s point of view but number 1 in their own minds.
9. Texas
Southern Charm: 3.1
Politeness: 3.0
Helpfulness: 3.1
Friendliness: 3.2
Total: 12.4
Everything is bigger in Texas. And the Lonestar state is charming just not the most charming.
8. Virginia
Southern Charm: 3.0
Politeness: 3.1
Helpfulness: 3.1
Friendliness: 3.2
Total: 12.4
Virginia is for lovers. Lovers are charming. See where I’m going here?
7. Alabama
Southern Charm: 3.3
Politeness: 3.1
Helpfulness: 3.1
Friendliness: 3.2
Total: 12.8
Sorry, Alabama this is one national championship you didn’t win. I do love watching Bama Rush though.
6. Kentucky
Southern Charm: 3.2
Politeness: 3.2
Helpfulness: 3.2
Friendliness: 3.3
Total: 12.8
Kentucky is the South, but somehow not the South at the same time. It’s a battle of culture vs. location. But the Bluegrass state came in 6th on this list.
5. North Carolina
Southern Charm: 3.3
Politeness: 3.4
Helpfulness: 3.4
Friendliness:3.4
Total: 13.4
Are you surprised North Carolina didn’t score as charming as South Carolina? As a North Carolina resident I’m actually not.
4. Louisiana
Southern Charm: 3.4
Politeness: 3.3
Helpfulness: 3.3
Friendliness: 3.4
Total: 13.5
I don’t no much about Louisiana other than New Orleans, Mardi Gras, and football. But I suppose all of that is charming.
3. South Carolina
Southern Charm: 3.5
Politeness: 3.4
Helpfulness: 3.4
Friendliness: 3.5
Total: 13.8
And there we have it folks, South Carolina was the third most charming state. And with Charleston being almost my definition of southern charm I support this. But then there is downtown Myrtle Beach probably why SC didn’t take the top spot. No hate to Myrtle Beach, but downtown at night isn’t quite charming.
2. Georgia
Southern Charm: 3.6
Politeness: 3.4
Helpfulness:3.4
Friendliness: 3.5
Total: 14.0
If Charleston is the first place I think of when I think of southern charm Savannah Georgia is the second. And it’s second on this list.
1. Tennessee
Southern Charm: 3.6
Politeness: 3.5
Helpfulness: 3.5
Friendliness: 3.6
Total: 14.1
And the most charming state? Tennessee takes the crown.
