Traffic Violations FAQ

Received a traffic ticket in North Carolina and not sure what comes next? This page breaks down the state’s point system, the insurance consequences of a conviction and the options available to fight or reduce your charge.

However, every case is unique. While the answers below address the most common questions drivers have, it’s important to consult with an attorney for specific guidance on your situation. Our legal team at Bennett & Gulley, P.A., can review your ticket and explain the options available to you.

How does North Carolina’s point system work?

Every time you receive a conviction for a moving violation in North Carolina, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adds points to your driving record. The more serious the violation, the more points. If your total reaches a certain threshold, the state can suspend your license, even if you live in another state and were only passing through.

How long do points stay on your driving record in North Carolina?

North Carolina tracks your points on a rolling three-year window. Once a violation is more than three years old, those points no longer count toward a suspension. That said, the conviction itself stays on your record and can still affect your insurance rates.

What is the difference between insurance points and DMV points?

These are two separate systems. DMV points determine whether the state suspends your license. Insurance points, calculated under North Carolina’s Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP), determine how much your premium increases. The same conviction generates different point values in each system. A ticket that does not put your license at risk can still trigger a significant insurance surcharge.

How much will a speeding ticket raise your insurance in North Carolina?

North Carolina law sets specific surcharge percentages under the SDIP based on your conviction. Here is what common violations cost:

• Speeding 10 mph or less over the limit in a zone under 55 mph: One insurance point and a 40% rate increase
• Speeding more than 10 mph over, at a total speed between 55 and 75 mph: Two insurance points and a 55% rate increase
• Reckless driving: Four insurance points and a 90% rate increase
• Driving while intoxicated (DWI): 12 insurance points and a 340% rate increase

These surcharges apply at renewal and can last for years. For out-of-state drivers, even a single ticket from a trip through North Carolina can affect what you pay at home long after the stop.

Will your insurance company find out about your ticket?

Yes. North Carolina courts report convictions to the state DMV, which then shares that information with other states. This includes convictions that result from simply paying the ticket rather than going to court. Once your home state’s DMV receives that record, your insurance company can access it.

Can reducing your charge help your insurance rates?

Yes. A reduced charge carries fewer SDIP points, and some reductions eliminate the surcharge entirely.

Can your traffic ticket be reduced in North Carolina?

Yes. Prosecutors have the discretion to reduce traffic charges to less serious offenses, and an attorney can negotiate that on your behalf. In some cases, your attorney can appear in any mandatory court hearings for you without requiring you to travel back to North Carolina.

What are my options if I have already paid your ticket?

North Carolina treats paying a traffic ticket as a guilty plea. Once the court processes your payment, your options become much more limited.

What happens if you get multiple tickets in North Carolina?

To put it simply, the consequences multiply. Each additional conviction adds more DMV points to your record, pushing you closer to suspension. SDIP surcharges also stack at each renewal. Multiple tickets can put your license at serious risk even if each ticket seemed minor on its own.

Can you go to jail for a traffic violation?

For severe violations, yes. DWI and reckless driving are both criminal misdemeanors in North Carolina, and both carry the possibility of jail time in addition to fines and license consequences.

What are the consequences of reckless driving in North Carolina?

Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor, not a traffic infraction. A conviction results in a criminal record, four SDIP insurance points and a 90% rate increase on your auto insurance. It can also affect your employment if your job involves driving.

Talk To A North Carolina Traffic Violations Attorney Today

You may have more options than you think. At Bennett & Gulley, P.A., we offer free consultations at our Rocky Mount office. We accept walk-ins any weekday between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. No appointment needed. Call us at 252-977-1911 or send us a message through our website today.