Why Does SIPOA Issue Citations?

Seabrook Island is a “Share the Road” community that values and prioritizes community safety. SIPOA has enacted Rules & Regulations and community safety standards to ensure everyone’s well-being. The island speed limit is 25 mph with some 15 mph areas. Speed limits are posted throughout the island. SIPOA also employs a force of professional officers to monitor compliance.

Why does SIPOA Issue Citations?

SIPOA is serious about safety.

Occasionally residents and guests don’t comply with the Rules & Regulations, and further action is necessary. Consequences of unsafe actions and rules violations include citations issued by officers, monetary penalties, and possible loss of driving privileges on SIPOA private roads.

SIPOA officers are not authorized to issue warnings for any moving violations. In the vent of a significant accident or if SIPOA officers suspect a DUI or law violation, officers will contact the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. Additional citations may be issued by CCSO.

How to Pay a Citation

• Pay Online – Submit this form and SIPOA will verify your citation charges and provide an online payment link.
• Pay by Mail / In Person – submit a check payable to:
  
  SIPOA
  1202 Landfall Way
  Johns Island, SC 29455
  *Reference your citation number on the check. If the name on the citation differs from the name on the check, please include it.

If your SIPOA citation includes an assessment for failing to carry a driver’s license or registration, provide a copy of your valid license and/or registration to the SIPOA Administration Office or via email to Katherine Waters at receptionist@sipoa.org. When the documents are received, the assessment for not having the documents at the time the citation was issued will be waived.

Contractor barcodes will be deactivated if payment or an appeal request is not received within 15 days of the citation date.

Property Owners are financially responsible for citations issued to their personal or rental guests. If payment or an appeal request is not received from the guest within 15 days of the citation date, the charge will be billed to the Owner’s account.

Note: SIPOA citations for routine violations are not reported to law enforcement. They do not affect your driving record.

How to Appeal a Citation

SIPOA Bylaws §8.1 provides the opportunity for an appeal. The Bylaws are available here, or you can request a copy at the SIPOA Administration Office.

Submit an Appeal Request:
If you choose to appeal, a written request must be received at the SIPOA Administration Office within 15 days of the citation date. After 15 days, an appeal is no longer available, the citation is final, and payment is due. If you would like to appeal, submit your request here, via email to receptionist@sipoa.org or by mail to:

SIPOA – Appeals
1202 Landfall Way
Johns Island, SC 29455

Following receipt of your request, you will be contacted with information on the date and time of your appeal.

When Your Appeal is Heard

The Safety and Security Committee will review your appeal at a committee meeting following receipt of your request. They will review the video and other materials related to your citation.

The committee will:

• Verify that the violation is against SIPOA Rules & Regulations
• Ensure the violation assessment is in accordance with the Rules & Regulations
• Determine if the request is granted and notify you in writing after the meeting.

Be aware that the committee implements violation assessments consistently, and rarely offers leniency based upon the rationale that a violation was a first offense, unfamiliarity with the rules, or personal circumstances (e.g. running late, driving a different car, distracted, didn’t see the posted speed limit, etc.).

How are SIPOA Violation Assessments Calculated?

Assessments for violations of SIPOA Rules & Regulations are specified in the Violation Assessment Schedule.