DMV Hearings for Speeding Tickets in North Carolina: What to Expect

In certain situations, your speeding ticket in North Carolina could lead to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing. While this isn’t the same as a court hearing or trial, it follows many of the same basic steps. If you want to pursue a positive outcome during this hearing, you should take a moment to learn what to expect. An experienced North Carolina speeding ticket lawyer can represent you and guide you through this process. 

When Might I Get a DMV Hearing for a Speeding Ticket in North Carolina?

The official term for a DMV hearing in North Carolina is an “administrative hearing.” Not all speeding tickets may lead to DMV hearings, and you may only need to request or attend one under certain circumstances. 

If your license has been revoked or suspended due to a speeding ticket, a DMV hearing could be beneficial. Speeding tickets can lead to suspensions in various ways, but perhaps the most obvious is a ticket that puts too many “points” on your license. By challenging the speeding ticket that pushed you over the points limit, you could potentially maintain your driving privileges. A speeding offense in another state can also cause North Carolina to suspend your license, and a hearing may be beneficial in this situation as well. 

How to Request a DMV Hearing

You can request a DMV hearing online, by mail, or in person. The online service “PayIt” gives you an option to request a DMV hearing, although you’ll have to pay a small fee to process this request. You can also request a hearing by sending a letter to the DMV, although this option also involves certain fees. Finally, you can visit a local driver's license office and request a hearing in person. This option also involves fees and paperwork. 

What Happens During a DMV Hearing for a Speeding Ticket?

Your goal during the hearing will be to convince the DMV hearing officer not to suspend your license after the most recent speeding offense. Your attorney can join you and represent you during the hearing. The hearing officer plays the role of both a prosecutor and a judge in this situation, and they may question you about the circumstances of your speeding offense(s). 

You have the right to make oral arguments and submit evidence during the hearing. For example, you might cast doubt on the devices used by police officers to determine your speed. Speak with a lawyer for more specific guidance about evidence. 

Can a North Carolina Speeding Ticket Lawyer Help Me?

A North Carolina speeding ticket lawyer may be able to help if you face a DMV hearing. The outcome of this hearing could determine whether you keep your license, face excessive fines, and experience other consequences. When the stakes are this high, it makes sense to work with an experienced attorney. Contact Coastal South Law today and start creating an effective action plan for your DMV hearing.