New Law Means Uninsured Drivers Could Lose License

CHARLESTON -- South Carolinians who drive without car insurance now risk losing their licenses.

Landrum Rep. Bob Walker says the state's old laws lacked proper enforcement tools. He said the possibility of losing a driver's license will get the attention of drivers.

Uninsured drivers already faced penalties including fines and losing their vehicle registrations. The state created a database last year to track drivers suspected of breaking the law by driving without insurance.

The new rules taking effect Saturday mean the worst offenders risk losing their licenses for driving uninsured.

The new law also reduces the amount of time drivers have to buy insurance after they are notified by the state that they need to do so. The 45-day grace period has been cut to 20 business days.