Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving Flashcards

What does the term 'DUI per se' mean in South Carolina?

Answer: You are automatically guilty if your BAC meets or exceeds 0.08%

Per se DUI means the BAC level alone — without additional proof of impaired driving behavior — is sufficient for a DUI conviction in SC.

South Carolina's open container law prohibits:

Answer: Having an open alcoholic beverage anywhere in a motor vehicle

SC law prohibits any open container of alcohol anywhere in a motor vehicle, including in passenger areas — not just the driver's area.

What effect does combining alcohol with prescription medications typically have on driving?

Answer: It compounds impairment, making driving far more dangerous

Mixing alcohol and medications often produces a multiplied impairment effect, severely degrading driving ability beyond either substance alone.

If convicted of DUI in South Carolina, how long may your license be suspended for a first offense?

Answer: 6 months

A first DUI conviction in SC results in a mandatory 6-month license suspension, in addition to fines and potential jail time.

What is 'DUI with great bodily injury' in South Carolina?

Answer: A felony DUI charge when impaired driving causes serious injury to another person

When impaired driving causes serious physical injury to another person, SC elevates the charge to a felony with significantly harsher penalties.

Which of the following best describes South Carolina's 'zero tolerance' law for underage drivers?

Answer: Any detectable BAC (0.02% or more) results in DUI charges for drivers under 21

SC's zero tolerance law means drivers under 21 can be charged with DUI at just 0.02% BAC — far below the adult limit.