Traffic Education Program

• Valid driver’s license (CDL holders are not eligible)
• No significant history of traffic violations
• Ticket must be a point violation
• Violation must be four (4) points or less
• No prior participation in TEP

• A participant may be referred to the TEP by the Summary Court Judge or Municipal Court Judge.
• Prior to the scheduled court date, Summary Court and Municipal Court cases may be eligible to enter the TEP as a self-referral.

If you are interested in applying to the Traffic Education Program, please contact the office at (843) 915-5693 for more information.

• Program fees in the amount of $280.00 in the form of two (2) separate money orders $140 each or payment may be made online by debit/credit card.
• Driver’s license
• Social Security Card
• Copy of ticket
• Out of state participants must provide a three (3) year driving record (non-official)

• Complete four (4) hours of community service
• Attend a four (4) hour defensive driving course

Participants will eligible to successfully complete the TEP upon completion of both requirements typically within thirty (30) days from the time of application.

Successful Completion

• Upon completion, all applicable agencies are notified to dismiss the charge(s) (Magistrate Court, Municipal Court, Police Department)
• Participants have the right to request expungement of the dismissed ticket at an additional cost of $250.00. Expungement is not a requirement.

Unsuccessful Completion

Should a participant unsuccessfully complete the program, the TEP file is closed and the court is notified.

Out of Area Participation

The participant will be provided with assistance in locating resources in their area to successfully complete the program requirements.

Will my charge(s) be dismissed?

Yes. All tickets referred to TEP will be dismissed upon successful completion which further means no fines will be paid to the court and no points will go on your driving record for this offense.

Am I expected to appear in court?

In most cases, you are not required to appear once referrred to TEP. However, if you have any questions or concerns about a court date, contact the court or TEP office to discuss your specific situation.

Do I need an attorney to apply to the Traffic Education Program?

No. You have the right to seek advice from an attorney. However, legal assistance is not a requirement to be eligible to enter TEP

Am I eligible for the program if I do not live in Horry County or in South Carolina?

Yes. Participation can be completed in another county or in another state. All correspondence will be made by phone, by mail, by fax, and by e-mail.

Why am I paying a fee to participate in the program?

All fees are required based on state statute. TEP is self-supporting, receiving no funding from federal, state, or local government.

What form of payment is accepted?

Payment may be made in the form of a money order, cashier's check or online by debit/credit card. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

Why would I be rejected from participation in TEP?

Applications will be rejected based on prior participation in the TEP, current driving record, or for a suspended driver’s license. The Solicitor may reject an application at any time.

What is the difference between dismissal and expungement?

Dismissed means that the case is dropped and has been ended by the court. A ticket is changed from pending to dismissed with the magistrate or municipal court and police department. An expungement is a destruction of the record. Expungement is a right, not a requirement.

What is the process for expungement?

Upon successful completion, you will be provided with an application for expungement by the TEP office. The application must be sent to the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office along with the fee of $250.00. Expect eight (8) to twelve (12) weeks for the expungement process to be completed at which time the expungement order will be sent to the arresting agency and the summary or municipal court judge.