Aiken County License Hearing Guide

Navigating the Aiken County, SC DMV After a DUI Arrest: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've been arrested for DUI in Aiken County, South Carolina, you're facing a complex legal process that extends beyond the courtroom. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) and the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH) play a critical role in determining your driving privileges. Understanding the administrative procedures and deadlines is crucial to protecting your ability to drive. This guide provides a detailed overview of the DMV-related aspects of a DUI arrest in Aiken County.

The 30-Day Deadline: Requesting an ALS Hearing

Upon a DUI arrest in South Carolina, the arresting officer will confiscate your driver's license and issue a Notice of Suspension if you either refused a chemical test or registered a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher. This triggers an Administrative License Suspension (ALS). You have a strict 30-day deadline from the date of the Notice of Suspension to request a contested case hearing with the OMVH.

Action: To request a hearing, you must file Form ADH-001 (or an equivalent request document) along with a non-refundable $200 filing fee directly with the OMVH. Send these documents via tracked, certified mail with a return receipt requested to:

Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH) Edgar A. Brown Building 1205 Pendleton St., Suite 325 Columbia, SC 29201

Missing this 30-day deadline results in a complete waiver of your right to an administrative hearing, and your license suspension becomes permanent for the statutory duration. Don't wait until the last minute; mail your request well in advance to ensure it's received on time.

Securing a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL) in Aiken

Successfully filing your hearing request within the 30-day window grants you the right to obtain a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL). This license allows you to drive legally while your case is pending.

Action: After the OMVH confirms receipt and scheduling of your hearing, visit the local SCDMV branch in Aiken to process your TAL. The address is:

SCDMV Aiken Branch (Check SCDMV website for current address)

Important Note: Be aware of a localized operational quirk at the Aiken SCDMV branch. While the branch opens at 8:30 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, it opens at 9:30 AM on Wednesdays. Checking the SCDMV's online wait-time tracker before you go is recommended.

ADSAP: Reinstating Your License After a DUI

The South Carolina Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) is a mandatory requirement for anyone convicted of DUI or DUAC, or whose license is suspended via the Implied Consent/ALR process. The DMV will not reinstate your license until it receives formal notification of ADSAP completion.

Action: Enroll in ADSAP within 30 days of your conviction to avoid being held in contempt of court. The local ADSAP provider is:

Aiken Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Services 1105 Gregg Hwy Aiken, SC 29801 Phone: (803) 649-1900 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

The base fee for ADSAP educational services is $500, with a minimum deposit (often $250) required at enrollment. However, if the clinical assessment mandates intensive treatment services, the total cost can escalate up to $2,000, capping the total possible out-of-pocket ADSAP expense at $2,500.

Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) and SR-22 Insurance

South Carolina's "Emma's Law" mandates the use of Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) for DUI offenders. You'll need to use certified private vendors for installation.

Logistical Synergy Tip: If your vehicle was impounded by Eastside Automotive & Towing LLC (195 Beaufort St, Aiken, SC 29801; 803-766-7986; Tue-Fri: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM), you can potentially coordinate your state-mandated Intoxalock installation at the same location.

A DUI conviction also requires filing an SR-22 insurance certificate. Contact a local Aiken insurance agent to originate this policy. The administrative filing is executed electronically by the carrier's corporate underwriting department.

Key Takeaway: Act Quickly and Strategically

The administrative process following a DUI arrest in Aiken County moves quickly. Understanding the deadlines, fees, and local procedures is essential. Don't delay in requesting your ALS hearing and securing your TAL. Contact the Aiken Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Services at (803) 649-1900 to begin the ADSAP enrollment process as soon as possible after a conviction.