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Independence Day State Holiday Closings
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day state holiday. Branch offices that offer Saturday service will also be closed on July 4.
"Cash for Clunkers" Program
President Obama signed into law a program called Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). It has also been referred to as “Cash for Clunkers.” This is a government program that helps you purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when you trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle.
SCDMV is not directly involved in this program; the program is conducted by the dealer as part of the trade-in on a new vehicle.
While the CARS Act makes transactions on and after July 1 potentially eligible for credits under the CARS program, interested dealers and consumers may want to wait until all of the detailed issues that must be addressed in the implementing regulations are resolved and the final rule is issued. Issuance will occur around July 23.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for administering this program. Please click on their link below to get more details about the CARS program.
http://www.cars.gov/
Veterans License Plate
The Department has received the required 400 prepaid applications for the passenger vehicle Veteran specialty license plate. For more information, click here.
Three-Wheel Motorcycle Endorsement
On Tuesday, June 2, 2009, Governor Sanford signed a new law concerning three-wheel motorcycles. Because of this law change, a three-wheel motorcycle endorsement is no longer required to operate a three-wheel motorcycle. Citizens can now operate a three-wheel motorcycle with any class of license except a moped class G license. This law change excludes a motorcycle with a detachable side car. To operate a motorcycle with a detachable side car, the customer must hold a class M motorcycle license. SCDMV will no longer administer three-wheel motorcycle tests.
Fort Mill Office Location Open
The York County Complex office located at 1070 Heckle Boulevard in Rock Hill has moved to a new location. The new office lis located at 3071 Hwy 21 in Fort Mill. The new office telephone number is 803-547-8350. In addition to regular office serivces, this office now offers driver skills testing.
Six New License Plates Available
SCDMV announced the availability of six new specialty license plates. The Parrothead, the SC Cattlemen’s Association, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Korean War Veteran and the SC Aviation license plates are now available in SCDMV offices across the state or by mail. Click here for more information.
Korean War Veteran
The Korean War Veteran plate is now available for sale to qualified individuals who own a private passenger vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of up to 11,000 lbs. This plate is available only by mail. Qualified individuals should download form MV-37 Application for Military License Plate. (Click here for link to MV-37 form). The special fee is $20 in addition to the regular registration fee. Qualified applicants can obtain a plate for each vehicle owned by the applicant. A separate application and $20 fee must be submitted for each vehicle.
To submit your application:
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Complete the form MV-37
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Obtain a copy of form DD-214 or other official documentation certifying active duty service in Korea during the time period of June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1954 or provide copy of certification of receiving the Korean War Service Medal
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Submit the form, copies of required documentation and check for $20 to the address listed on the form MV-37.
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Note that additional fees may be due, depending on the vehicle's current renewal status.
Ignition Interlock Device Program
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a mechanism similar to a breathalyzer, which is installed in a vehicle’s dashboard. The IID is designed to prevent a driver from operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The driver is required to breathe into the device before starting the vehicle and at random intervals while the vehicle is being operated.
Effective January 1, 2009, an II restriction is required for persons who are convicted of a second or subsequent offense for the following violations:
1) driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
2) driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration, or
3) causing great bodily injury or death while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
For more information about IID, click here.
Commercial Driver Drug and Alcohol Testing
Beginning January 1, 2009, employers of commercial drivers are required to report to SCDMV the names of all commercial driver employees who:
- refuse to provide a specimen for a drug or alcohol test,
- test positive for drugs or alcohol, or
- submit an altered, diluted or substituted specimen.
An employer who knowingly fails to report an employee may be subject to fines and investigation. Commercial drivers who are reported for a CDL Drug Testing Act violation will be disqualified. If a commercial driver is disqualified due to a drug or alcohol test violation more than three times within a five year period, he or she will be permanently disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle.For more information about the Commercial Driver Drug Testing Act, click here.
Motorcycle Training
Motorcycle training classes are a great way to improve your riding skills and classes are available across the state. For more information, click here.
Reminder for Motor Home Owners
If you operate a motor home that weighs more than 26,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight, you must obtain a Class E license. If you operate a motor home that weighs more than 26,000 and tow a trailer or other vehicle, you must have a Class F license. For more information about Class E an F licenses, click here.
Citizens Urged To Correct Addresses With SCDMV: SCDMV encourages residents who have changed addresses within the past five years to update their information in SCDMV records. For more information, click here.
Out of Business Dealerships:
If you purchased a vehicle from an automobile dealership that has closed and you have not received your vehicle registration and license plate, you may contact the SCDMV Dealer Licensing Unit for assistance at (803) 896-2611. To obtain your vehicle registration, you must first complete a Form DLA-5, Dealer Complaint Form and submit it to the Dealer Licensing Unit.
Beaufort DMV Office Renovations: SCDMV will temporarily close its Beaufort office at 29 Munch Drive to renovate and expand the facility. The office will close on Friday, March 7 and reopen temporarily at 11J Robert Smalls Parkway in Beaufort Plaza on Monday, March 10. For more information, click here.
SC Dealer/Wholesaler Manual: The South Carolina 2007 Dealer/Wholesaler Manual is now available online. Click here to view the manual.
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