No matter how minimal the excess speed appears to be, in North Carolina, it is always possible to receive a citation for exceeding the posted limit. If you pay a ticket, it implies you’re admitting guilt, and this can cause additional penalties like points on your license, higher insurance costs, and other problems. It also doesn’t mean the case is over.
According to MarketWatch, the United States issues about 41 million speeding tickets every year, which is over a hundred thousand daily. Other penalties for a North Carolina speeding ticket include license suspension, a fine of up to $1,000, or facing potential jail time.
Just to remind you, it’s not a waste of time to challenge a speeding ticket. Sometimes it can get your charges reduced or dismissed, especially if there are mitigating circumstances or procedural mistakes. Learn more about the penalties for speeding tickets and how they can affect you.
Speeding Ticket Fine Structure
The fines for speeding in North Carolina vary based on how fast you drive over the speed limit. For instance, if you were caught driving 1–5 mph over the speed limit, the fine is typical $30. While speeding at 15-20 mph over the limit, the fine could be as high as $188. These fines are just the base amounts; additional court costs and fees may apply.
The fines can be even higher if you are caught speeding in a school or work zone. Speeding in these areas can result in penalties that are double or more than regular speeding fines, and you’ll also face increased penalties if you are caught speeding in a residential area or a highway construction zone.
Impact on Driving Record
When you receive a speeding ticket, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) typically adds points to your driving record. The number of points depends on the severity of the offense. For instance, speeding 10 mph over the limit results in two points, while speeding 15 mph over can lead to four points.
Your driver’s license may be suspended if you accumulate too many points within a certain period. These points stay on your record for three years, and having points on your record can lead to increased insurance rates. So, always drive cautiously and avoid further infractions to prevent adverse impacts on your driving record and overall driving privileges.
Insurance Rate Increases
Insurance companies typically view speeding violations as indicating higher risk, often resulting in a spike in premiums. The extent of the increase depends on the severity of the speeding offense, your driving history, and your insurance provider’s policies.
In North Carolina, insurance rates increase after speeding tickets, which can last several years. Even a single speeding ticket can lead to a noticeable rise in insurance costs. The impact on your rates can be even more substantial for more severe offenses or multiple speeding tickets.
To avoid facing steep insurance rate hikes, consider attending a driving course to offset the negative impact of the speeding ticket on your record. Maintaining a clean driving record can also help prevent further increases in insurance premiums.
Potential License Suspension
Your driving license may be suspended if you accumulate 12 or more points on your driving record within three years. Speeding violations usually result in points being added to your record, and the number of points depends on the severity of the offense. For example, exceeding the speed limit by ten mph will add two points to your record, while exceeding the limit by more than 25 mph can lead to six points.
Once you reach the 12-point threshold, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will notify you about the impending suspension. You can attend a hearing to contest the decision or reduce the points through a driver improvement clinic. Failing to take action or accumulating more points after the suspension could lead to a more extended license revocation period.
Defensive Driving Options
Voluntarily completing a defensive driving course demonstrates to the court and insurance companies that you’re taking steps to improve your driving skills and knowledge. In North Carolina, completing an approved defensive driving course may also reduce points on your driving record, ultimately helping you avoid license suspension and keeping your insurance rates from skyrocketing.
Defensive driving courses typically cover various topics, including safe driving practices, traffic laws, and techniques for avoiding accidents. These courses can be taken online or in person, making them convenient and accessible for busy individuals. At the same time, some insurance providers offer discounts to drivers who’ve completed a defensive driving course, potentially saving their premiums.
Conclusion
If you get a speeding ticket in North Carolina, be prepared for hefty penalties. Not only will you have to pay a fine, but your driving record could be impacted, your insurance rates may go up, and you could even face license suspension.
Take these consequences seriously and consider your options, such as defensive driving courses, to mitigate the impact of a speeding ticket. Stay safe on the roads!