Most states penalize drivers who violate traffic and criminal laws while operating a motor vehicle by restricting, suspending, or revoking the driver’s license. For example, a state may suspend a driver’s license upon refusal to submit to a blood or breath test when suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when a driver is convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

And most states have a traffic ticket points system that assigns points to traffic offenses—with more serious offenses receiving more points. The points a driver accumulates become a part of the driver’s record with the state and a specified number of points will lead to greater driver’s license penalties—including suspension of the driver’s license—as well as higher insurance premiums charged by insurance companies.

The use and structure of traffic ticket point systems vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In South Carolina, drivers who commit traffic violations or criminal offenses while operating a motor vehicle can face penalties such as license restrictions, suspensions, or revocations. For instance, under South Carolina law, a driver's license may be suspended if the driver refuses to submit to a blood or breath test when suspected of DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or if the driver is convicted of DUI. South Carolina also employs a points system for traffic violations, where different offenses are assigned different point values. Accumulating points on one's driving record can lead to consequences such as license suspension and increased insurance premiums. The number of points that leads to license suspension and the duration of the suspension can vary based on the severity and frequency of the offenses. The specifics of the points system and related penalties are outlined in South Carolina's state statutes.