Types of Speeding Tickets in North Carolina

According to Bankrate, a single speeding ticket in North Carolina can increase your auto insurance costs by up to 49%. This is the highest rate increase of any state, and it highlights the need to work with a traffic ticket defense lawyer in North Carolina. If you fight your ticket successfully, you can avoid not only the accompanying fines but also the insurance rate increases. The first step is to determine which type of ticket you have.

The Distinction Between Infractions and Misdemeanors

Most speeding tickets are “infractions,” which means they are not “crimes” in the traditional sense. A speeding ticket of this nature is little more than a fine, slightly more serious than a parking ticket (but not by much). These infractions are generally associated with less serious speeding offenses, such as driving a few miles over the speed limit. 

Misdemeanors are more serious, and they are reserved for so-called “super-speeders.” If you drive more than 15 mph over the speed limit, you may receive a super-speeder ticket. In North Carolina, this is a Class 3 misdemeanor. Although a Class 3 misdemeanor is the least serious type of misdemeanor, it can still lead to 20 days in jail and a $200 fine. Super-speeder tickets can lead to even higher fines, and you might need to pay thousands of dollars if you fail to fight your ticket. 

Speeding in a School Zone

Another common type of speeding violation occurs when you commit this offense in a school zone.  Speeding in a school zone typically leads to a $250 fine, plus points added to your license. If you have too many pre-existing points on your license when you commit this offense, you could face a suspension. This violation is more serious in the eyes of the authorities because speeding in a school zone could endanger children. 

The same general penalties apply to speeding in a construction zone. If you commit this crime, you may face a fine of up to $250. Again, authorities see this crime as serious because it endangers construction workers. 

Driving Too Slowly

Drivers should also know that it could be an offense to drive too slowly. Technically speaking, this offense also involves the “speed” of your vehicle. You could face particularly high penalties if you drive too slowly in the fast lane of a multi-lane highway. In the eyes of the authorities, driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as driving too fast. 

Can a Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney in North Carolina Help Me?

Regardless of what kind of speeding ticket you face, your traffic defense attorney in North Carolina can help you fight it. Whether you face a super-speeder ticket or a basic infraction, you can reduce your penalties with help from a lawyer. If you need help fighting your ticket, be sure to contact Coastal South Law today.