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Navigating North Carolina’s traffic laws can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding the driver’s license point system. This system is designed to promote safe driving and penalize traffic violations. Accumulating too many points on your driver’s license can lead to increased insurance rates, fines, and even license suspension. Here is a break down the basics of North Carolina’s driver’s license point system as well as tips on how to avoid accumulating points and manage any points you may already have.
What is the Driver’s License Point System?
The driver’s license point system in North Carolina assigns points to your driving record for various traffic violations. The more serious the offense, the higher the number of points you will receive. These points are used by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to monitor driving behavior and penalize habitual offenders.
Point Values for Common Traffic Violations
Here is a list of some common traffic violations and their corresponding point values:
- 5 Points
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Aggressive driving:
- 4 Points
- Reckless driving
- Hit and run (property damage only
- Following too closely
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Illegal passing
- 3 Points
- Running a red light
- Failure to yield right of way
- Speeding (over 55 mph)
- Failure to stop for a siren
- No driver’s license or license expired more than one year
- Failure to stop for a red light
- Driving through a safety zone
- No liability insurance
- Failure to report an accident
- Speeding in a school zone
- 2 Points
- All other moving violations
- 1 Point
- Littering involving a motor vehicle
Consequences of Accumulating Points
Accumulating points on your driving record can lead to several consequences:
- License Suspension
- If you accumulate 12 or more points within a three-year period, the DMV may suspend your driver’s license.
- Upon reinstatement of your license, if you accumulate 8 or more points within three years, your license can be suspended again.
- Insurance Rate Increases
- Points on your driving record can significantly increase your auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies use your driving record to assess risk, and more points typically mean higher rates.
- Driver Improvement Clinic
- Attending a Driver Improvement Clinic can remove three points from your record. However, this option is only available once every five years.
Avoiding and Managing Points
- Safe Driving Practices: The best way to avoid points on your license is to adhere to traffic laws and practice safe driving. Obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and be mindful of traffic signs and signals.
- Defensive Driving Course: Taking a defensive driving course can sometimes prevent points from being added to your record. Check with the DMV or a traffic attorney to see if this option is available to you.
- Contesting Tickets: If you receive a traffic ticket, you have the right to contest it in court. An experienced attorney can help you challenge the ticket and potentially have the charges reduced or dismissed, preventing points from being added to your record.
- Regular Review of Driving Record: Periodically review your driving record to stay informed about your point status. You can obtain a copy of your driving record from the DMV.
The Attorneys at Hancock Law Firm, PLLC Help Those in North Carolina Who Have Received a Traffic Ticket
If you find yourself facing a traffic violation or accumulating points on your license, seeking legal assistance is crucial. An experienced attorney can provide valuable advice, represent you in court, and help you navigate the complexities of the point system.
At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we fully understand what is at stake and will do everything that we can to help you. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!