By Grant S. Scheuring, Attorney at Law
Most of us have been there, you’re motoring home after a long day and the next thing you know, there are blue lights in your rearview mirror… A ticket, a fine, and you’ve moved on… Or so you think.
Not quite.
In North Carolina, for instance, traffic offenses are more pernicious than they first appear. Each ticket assesses “points” to one’s driving record, and these points can accumulate quietly until one day the individual’s license is suspended. This can happen even without knowing how close they were to the punitive threshold.
As with other cases, I’ve encountered clients who didn’t realize a couple of speeding tickets or rolling stop signs could translate into losing the privilege to legally operate a vehicle. The consequences reach farther than just a frustrating court visit; it can impact employment opportunities, family responsibilities, or simple errands like grocery shopping.
This article aims to explain how the point system works in North Carolina, which violations are most egregious, and most importantly, what options are available to defend your license prior to issues arising. If you are feeling overwhelmed with information right now, here’s something to make you feel better: you are not alone, and there are definitely measures you can take to keep driving. For personalized guidance, you can always turn to experienced Vance County NC lawyers who understand how to navigate these situations effectively.
What Are Driver’s License Points?
In North Carolina, each moving violation you get convicted for incurs a charge on your driving record which is tracked by the Division of Motor Vehicles as driver’s license points.
Having 12 or more points within a 3-year timeframe will lead to suspension of your license by the DMV. Following the reinstatement of your license, accumulating 8 points within the next 3 years will also lead to license suspension.
Common Violations and Their Point Values
Here are a few examples of common traffic violations and the number of points each adds to your record:
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Hit and run (property damage only) | 4 |
| Following too closely | 4 |
| Driving on the wrong side of the road | 4 |
| Illegal passing | 4 |
| Speeding (over 55 mph but less than 76) | 3 |
| Running a red light | 3 |
| Failure to yield | 3 |
| No driver’s license or expired license | 3 |
| Failure to stop for a siren/emergency vehicle | 2 |
| Driving without liability insurance | 3 |
| Littering involving a vehicle | 1 |
Consequences of a License Suspension
If your license is suspended due to an accumulation of points, the DMV generally imposes the following suspensions:
- First suspension: 60 days
- Second suspension: 6 months
- Third or more: 12 months
The impact of license suspensions extends beyond simply commuting; it complicates childcare, education, and employment activities. Furthermore, legal driving becomes impossible. Additionally, driving while your license is suspended can result in criminal charges.
Insurance Points Are Separate
Understanding the distinctions between various point systems is crucial. Your insurance provider uses a distinct system from license points called insurance points. License points and insurance points are associated but operate independently. Consider the example of a speeding violation; while it may not lead to losing your driving privileges, it can significantly increase your insurance premium by 30–45% over a three-year period.
How to Prevent Points from Accumulating
Here are some strategies to reduce or curb the impact of accruing license points:
-
Engage Legal Services for Court Appearances
There are many traffic citations that may be contested or canceled. A legal representative assists in safeguarding you from convictions that will lead to the accumulation of points.
-
Look Into Prayer for Judgment Continued
In specific circumstances, the court may issue a PJC preventing the addition of points. PJCs are limited based on prior history as well as policies from the insurance provider.
-
Enroll in Driving School
The court may permit some individuals charged with minor offenses to take a defensive driving course where the benefits include lessening or eliminating points.
-
Monitor Your Driving Record
You are eligible to request driving records through the NC DMV, which allows monitoring for the current point total to make strategic decisions.
-
Avoid Offending Again
Minor violations should be taken seriously since they can accumulate. Attaining a clean driving record allows for the restoration of points and greatly reduces risk over time.
Final Thoughts
No one considers license points until it’s too late. With a couple of tickets over a couple of years—perhaps a speeding ticket or not fully stopping at a stop sign—the next thing you know you are facing a suspension. It often feels like you’re blindsided.
I’ve witnessed it happen an innumerable number of times. And, not due to some reckless behavior, but simply because life gets busy and the DMV isn’t keen on explaining the point system.
The reality is that losing your license can disrupt your driving routine, which is essential in a person’s day-to-day life, such as going to work, picking up children, or managing daily responsibilities. All of this becomes extremely difficult without the card.
The optimistic take is that the majority of these suspensions are avoidable. With knowledge of the point system, available options after receiving a citation, and being proactive before things spiral, really does make all the difference.
There are no flawless drivers. Everyone makes errors while driving. The important part is to have a plan in place for how to manage errors so that they don’t escalate. Managing your driving record, whether you’re facing a new ticket or trying to recall how many points you’ve accumulated, requires a thoughtful approach to ensure your ability to drive is intact.
You don’t need to be a seasoned traffic attorney. Staying informed and asking the right questions at the right time is crucial.
