A failure to yield ticket in South Carolina can result in fines, points on your license, and increased insurance rates.
In some cases, a failure to yield violation can even lead to more serious charges if it results in an accident. Before you pay the fine and accept the penalties, speak with an experienced traffic attorney to explore your options. At Chambers Law, we help drivers fight traffic violations to protect their records and their right to drive.
Call 843-449-0420 today for a free consultation.
What is Failure to Yield?
South Carolina law requires drivers to yield the right of way in specific situations to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Failure to yield occurs when a driver does not properly yield in situations such as:
- Entering a roadway from a stop sign
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk
- Turning left in front of oncoming traffic
- Not yielding when merging onto a highway
- Ignoring a yield sign
- Failing to yield to emergency vehicles with flashing lights
- Not allowing the right of way at uncontrolled intersections
Even if no accident occurs, law enforcement may still issue a citation if they believe you violated the right-of-way rules.
Penalties for Failure to Yield in South Carolina
A failure to yield violation can lead to significant consequences, including:
- Fines ranging from $75 to $300, depending on the situation
- Four points added to your driving record
- Increased auto insurance premiums
- Potential liability if the violation resulted in an accident
Accumulating too many points on your driving record can lead to a suspended driver’s license.
How the South Carolina Point System Works
South Carolina assigns penalty points for traffic violations. If you accumulate 12 or more points, your license may be suspended:
- Two points – Minor traffic violations
- Four points – Failure to yield or disregard of a traffic signal
- Six points – Speeding 25+ mph over the limit
- 12 or more points – Automatic license suspension
While points are cut in half after one year, they can still affect your insurance rates and put you at risk of future penalties.
Why You Should Fight a Failure to Yield Tickets
Many drivers assume they should just pay the fine and move on, but doing so can lead to increased insurance costs, points on your record, and potential liability in the event of an accident. Fighting your ticket may help you:
- Reduce or eliminate points on your driving record
- Prevent higher insurance premiums
- Avoid penalties that could impact future driving privileges
- Challenge the officer’s interpretation of the event
Common Defenses Against Failure to Yield Violations
At Chambers Law, we build strong defenses to fight failure to yield tickets, including:
- Conflicting witness statements – If other drivers or pedestrians provide conflicting accounts, your case may lack clear evidence
- Poor visibility – If road signs were obstructed or unclear, you may have been unable to properly yield
- Officer misinterpretation – The ticket may have been issued based on the officer’s subjective judgment rather than clear evidence
- Emergency situations – If you had to act to avoid an accident, you may have had a valid reason for your actions
How Chambers Law Can Help
At Chambers Law, we take an aggressive approach to defending clients charged with failure to yield. Our firm:
- Reviews traffic camera footage, officer reports, and witness statements
- Challenges unclear road signs, weather conditions, and officer errors
- Negotiates with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Represents clients in court to protect their driving record
