Court Related

ADSAP

South Carolina's Alcohol and

Drug Safety Action Program

     The South Carolina Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) is a statewide education and treatment program designed for:

individuals who are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI); and

individuals whose licenses are suspended through the state's Administrative License Revocation (ALR) procedure. Drivers are subject to ALR if they are charged under the provisions known as "zero tolerance" (which is in addition to a charge of DUI for drivers of any age who operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration [BAC] of .15 percent or greater). An individual also is subject to ALR if he refuses to take a blood, breath or urine test for the presence of alcohol or other drugs.

     Because thousands of South Carolinians are killed or injured in alcohol- or other drug-related traffic crashes each year, ADSAP works with offenders in an attempt to reduce the number of such crashes that result in death, injury or property damage. ADSAP services are certified by the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services and are available in each of the state's 46 counties.

Dorchester Alcohol and Drug Commission

ADSAP Program

ADSAP program involves 3 steps:

Step 1

Orientation is held only on Tuesday mornings at 8:45 a.m. and will last until noon.

Bring a current copy of your ten (10) year driving record from DMV.

Bring a copy of the conviction ticket, along with 10yr. driving record, if the DUI does not show on the driving record. (Must have proof of DUI)

Bring $500.00 - Education program fee (cash, check, MC, Visa or Discover accepted).

You will receive an initial evaluation. Based on the results, you will either be referred to the education group or scheduled to meet with a counselor for a full assessment.

     The following questions and answers provide some basic information about ADSAP for...

Individuals Convicted of DUI

Q.     Do I have to enroll in ADSAP if I am convicted of driving under the influence(DUI)?

A.     Yes, if you wish to have your driver's license reinstated. South Carolina law requires a person whose license has been suspended as the result of a DUI conviction to successfully complete an ADSAP before he can apply to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) for reinstatement of his driver's license.

Q.     Where do I enroll in ADSAP?

A.     You must contact a county alcohol and drug abuse authority and tell the ADSAP representative that you need to enroll in the program. County alcohol and drug abuse authorities are listed in the telephone directory. There are no county line barriers to ADSAP enrollment. You may enroll in any South Carolina County, regardless of where you live.

Q.     When should I contact ADSAP?

A.     Immediately. It is important for you to contact an ADSAP representative immediately after your conviction because it could take you as long as twelve months to successfully complete the program.

Q.     What happens if I don't enroll in ADSAP?

A.     The SCDPS will not consider reinstating your driver's license until it receives notification of your successful completion of ADSAP.

Q.     What is involved in ADSAP?

A.     Upon your enrollment in the program, you will be assessed to determine the problem areas that most likely contributed to your DUI. Goals then will be developed to address these areas. Education and/or treatment services will be provided to help you achieve your goal(s) and reduce your risk of committing another DUI. Successful completion of the program is based on whether you have reduced your risk of committing another DUI.

Q.     How long will it take me to complete ADSAP?

A.     Because you will receive services based on individual needs, the time period for ADSAP varies for each participant. Individuals usually complete services by the end of their suspension period.

Q.     Is there a cost for ADSAP?

A.     Yes. The cost for educational services provided through ADSAP is $500, while the cost for any treatment services required by the program can cost up to $2000. The total cost of all services - educational and treatment - cannot exceed $2,500.

Q.     May I drive while I am participating in ADSAP?

A.     First-time DUI offenders who meet certain requirements may obtain a provisional driver's license from the SCDPS and may drive for a period not to exceed six months from the date of the issue of the provisional license, provided they also continue to successfully participate in ADSAP. However, first-time offenders who do not obtain a provisional driver's license and subsequent DUI offenders (who are not eligible for a provisional driver's license) may not drive during their suspension period.

Q.     What are the requirements for a provisional driver's license?

A.     There are several requirements:

You must enroll in ADSAP and make satisfactory progress.

You must have had a valid South Carolina driver's license at the time of your violation.

Your DUI conviction must be the first within a 10-year period.

Your driver's license must not be suspended for any other reason.

You must provide proof of financial responsibility to the SCDPS (usually SR22 insurance)

You must pay a $5 fee to the SCDPS.

Q.     What should I do if I move out of state after being convicted of DUI in South Carolina?

A.     You must contact a South Carolina ADSAP representative before moving out of state. If you want your driver's license reinstated in South Carolina or if you want to receive a driver's license from another state, you must participate in the services recommended by you assessment. You may complete the services in another state, but you first must contact the Interstate ADSAP Office (843)821-5412). A provisional driver's license is no longer valid when you move out of state.

Q.     How can ADSAP help me if I am convicted of DUI in South Carolina but have an out-of-state driver's license?

A.     Many states will require you to complete South Carolina's DUI program prior to being relicensed. Therefore, you must contact the driver licensing authority in your home state to find out their requirements. In addition, you must complete ADSAP if you plan to obtain a South Carolina driver's license in the future. If you no longer live in South Carolina, you may contact the Interstate ADSAP Office (843)821-5412.

Q.     May I obtain a provisional driver's license if I have an out-of-state driver's license?

A.     As an out-of-state licensed driver, you may be eligible for a South Carolina provisional permit if you enroll in ADSAP, meet the provisional driver's license requirements and maintain a valid out-of-state license.

Individuals Whose Licenses Are Suspended Under ALR

Q.     What are the requirements for enrollment in ADSAP following Administrative License Revocation (ALR)?

A.     There are several requirements:

If you wish to have your license reinstated when the suspension period ends, you must enroll in ADSAP. If you fail to successfully complete ADSAP following the end of your suspension period, your license may be revoked until you have completed the program.

If you plan to contest the ALR, you will have 10 days from the notice of suspension to enroll in ADSAP and request an administrative hearing. If you do not enroll in ADSAP within 10 days, the suspension remains in effect and an administrative hearing cannot be requested.

The SCDPS will hold an administrative hearing after receiving the hearing request.

If the suspension is upheld, you must remain in ADSAP to regain your license.

If the suspension is overturned, your license will be reinstated and any fees paid to ADSAP will be refunded to you.

Questions and Complaints

Q.     What should I do if I have a question or complaint about ADSAP?

A.     If you are unable to resolve the matter to your satisfaction by contacting your county authority ADSAP office, call the state ADSAP at (803) 737-4000.

Call ADSAP Services at (843) 871-4790 for more details.

ADSAP Services

is a division of the

Dorchester Alcohol and Drug Commission