In North Carolina, points remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the offense. If you are convicted of a traffic violation, points will be added to your license. The more severe the violation, the more points you will receive. Points can lead to increased insurance rates, fines, and even suspension or revocation of your license. To keep track of your points, you may visit the NC DMV website.
How Many Points Can You Have on Your Driving Record in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains a record of a driver's points assessed for traffic violations. A driver typically begins with 0 points and, depending on the violation, can incur anywhere from 1 to 12 points. There are a number of ways to get points, including getting convicted of a traffic violation, having an accident where you are at fault, or engaging in dangerous road activity.
If you receive 12 or more points within a three-year period, your driver's license will be suspended. If you receive eight points within three years of having your license reinstated, it will be suspended again.
Typical Offenses and the Number of Points They Add to Your NC Drivers License
In North Carolina, if you are caught driving without a license, you will get 3 points on your driving record. If you are caught speeding, you will get between 1 and 4 points on your driving record depending on your speed above the limit and whether it was your first offense or second offense. For most other traffic violations, such as tailgating, driving on the wrong side of the road, and illegal overtaking, you will get 2 points on your driving record.
Driving recklessly results in a 4-point penalty. Trying to outrun the police by driving too fast will result in a 10-point penalty. Organized street racing and DWI (Driving While Impaired) both carry a 12-point penalty.
How to Lose Driving Record Points in North Carolina
Points on your driving record can cause a lot of problems, but they do not have to stay there forever. Here are some tips on how to lose driving record points in North Carolina:
Take a defensive driving course
In North Carolina, defensive driving courses are available to drivers who have received a traffic ticket and wish to have the points associated with that ticket removed from their driving record. The courses are offered by approved providers and teach drivers safe driving habits that can help them avoid future tickets. Completing a defensive driving course may also lower your auto insurance rates.
Get an experienced attorney to fight your tickets
If you are facing traffic tickets, it is a good idea to get an experienced attorney to help fight them. In North Carolina, if you do not end up convicted of the tickets, then you will not get any points on your license. You may speak to an attorney at Coastal South law if you need help in this regard.