Traffic Court Records in Clarendon County
Clarendon County traffic court records are processed through the county magistrate courts and the Clerk of Court's office in Manning. The county is part of the 3rd Judicial Circuit, which also includes Lee, Sumter, and Williamsburg Counties. Traffic citations issued on US-301, US-15, and other county roads are handled by the magistrate court system. This guide explains how to search for Clarendon County traffic court records, contact the right office, and understand your options after receiving a citation.
Clarendon County Quick Facts
Clarendon County Clerk of Court
The Clarendon County Clerk of Court maintains official records for Circuit Court (Common Pleas and General Sessions) and Family Court within the 3rd Judicial Circuit. The office is located at 411 Sunset Drive, Manning, SC 29102. You can reach the office by phone at (803) 435-4445. Staff manage case filings, certified copy requests, jury services, and the collection of court fees and fines. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Clarendon County Clerk of Court page on sccourts.org provides contact information and links to the online public index. The public index covers Circuit Court civil and criminal cases. Traffic citations heard in magistrate court can be found through the statewide traffic ticket search tool.
The Clerk serves as the official records custodian for all court proceedings in Clarendon County. The office coordinates with the 3rd Circuit Solicitor's Office for criminal case scheduling and supports court operations across all court divisions in the county.
The Clarendon County Clerk of Court page at sccourts.org links you to the public index and provides contact information for the Manning courthouse at 411 Sunset Drive.
| Office | Clarendon County Clerk of Court 411 Sunset Drive Manning, SC 29102 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (803) 435-4445 |
| Fax | (803) 435-1025 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 3rd Judicial Circuit (Clarendon, Lee, Sumter, Williamsburg) |
| Clerk Page | sccourts.org - Clarendon County Clerk |
Clarendon County Magistrate Court Traffic Records
The Clarendon County Magistrate Court is the primary venue for traffic violations and misdemeanor offenses within the county. The court is located in Manning within the Clarendon County Courthouse complex. Magistrate court jurisdiction includes traffic offenses, criminal misdemeanors punishable by up to 30 days or a $500 fine, and civil small claims up to $7,500. Bond hearings are conducted for persons arrested by the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office and other agencies.
Court sessions are held on scheduled days for traffic cases, criminal matters, and civil disputes. Traffic citations can be paid at the magistrate court office or through the online payment portal. The magistrate judge serves as the primary judicial officer for summary court proceedings. The court coordinates with the 3rd Judicial Circuit for case management and criminal prosecutions.
Defendants in Clarendon County magistrate court have the right to request a jury trial for eligible criminal cases. The court also provides information on traffic safety programs and alternative sentencing options. Payment arrangements may be available for defendants who cannot pay fines in full at the time of sentencing.
Note: If you request a jury trial in Clarendon County magistrate court, your case will be transferred to the Circuit Court for scheduling, which may result in a longer wait time before your hearing.
Searching Clarendon County Traffic Court Records
The most direct way to find a Clarendon County traffic citation is through the SC traffic ticket search. This statewide portal covers magistrate court citations from all counties including Clarendon. You can search by citation number, driver's license number, or name and date of birth. The portal also accepts online payments for citations that are eligible for online payment.
For circuit court records, use the SC case records search on the Judicial Branch website. This is the Public Index system used for Circuit Court civil, criminal, and family court records. Select Clarendon County from the county dropdown to search within the county. The system is updated nightly, so new filings may not appear until the following business day.
The SC Judicial Branch magistrate court overview explains how the summary court system works across all 46 counties. There are approximately 300 magistrates in South Carolina, each appointed by the Governor for four-year terms. Magistrates have criminal jurisdiction over offenses subject to a fine up to $500 or imprisonment up to 30 days. For more serious traffic charges that exceed magistrate jurisdiction, the case moves to Circuit Court.
Certified copies of Clarendon County court records can be requested from the Clerk of Court in person at 411 Sunset Drive in Manning, by mail, or through the online records request system. Under the South Carolina FOIA, most court records are public and accessible on request.
Traffic Convictions and License Points in Clarendon County
Any traffic conviction from a Clarendon County court is forwarded to the SC DMV. The DMV applies points to your driving record based on the type of violation. Reckless driving earns six points. Speeding 10 to 25 mph over the limit earns four points. Minor moving violations typically earn two points. Reaching 12 points results in an automatic suspension. The SC DMV points system page lists current point values for all violations.
Points are reduced by half after one year from the violation date and removed entirely after two years. You can order a copy of your driving record for $6.00 from the SC DMV driving records page. Both a three-year and a ten-year version are available. Completing a certified defensive driving course can reduce your point total by up to four points once every three years. Under SC Code Section 56-5-6220, paying a traffic citation counts as a guilty plea and results in a conviction on your driving record.
Cities in Clarendon County
Clarendon County's largest city is Manning, the county seat. Traffic violations within Manning city limits may be handled by a local municipal court. Violations in unincorporated parts of the county go to the county magistrate court system.
Most traffic violations in Clarendon County outside of incorporated city limits are processed through the county magistrate courts in Manning. Check your citation to confirm which court and jurisdiction apply to your case.
Nearby Counties
Clarendon County is part of the 3rd Judicial Circuit with Lee, Sumter, and Williamsburg Counties. It also borders Florence, Orangeburg, and Berkeley Counties. Citations issued near county lines should note the issuing agency to confirm which county court handles the matter.