Frequently Asked Questions About DWIs in North Carolina If you or a loved one is…
The Traffic Ticket Point System
North Carolina possesses a method for the penalization of traffic offenses in which every violation is assigned a point value under two different systems.
North Carolina DMV Points
To begin with, DMV points, also known as driver's license points, are points ascribed to you by the North Carolina DMV. The purpose of these points is to aid the North Carolina DMV in making an informed decision on whether or not to revoke your driver's license. In general, if you amass 12 or more DMV points within a period of three years, your driver's license will be suspended. It's also worth noting that when computing your DMV points, in instances where you have multiple traffic violations in the same occurrence, North Carolina DMV points are typically only assigned for the most significant traffic violation. Here's a list of driving charges and the corresponding amount of DMV points linked to each charge.
In addition, there are several other circumstances, aside from accumulating 12 or more DMV points, in which the North Carolina DMV can revoke your driver's license. Below are a few examples of these situations, but not an exhaustive list:
- If you accumulate eight or more driver's license points within a three-year period after the reinstatement of your license following a suspension/revocation for a traffic violation.
- If you're convicted of speeding in excess of 15 miles per hour over the speed limit, and the ticketed speed is over 55 miles per hour.
- If you're convicted of speeding in excess of 75 miles per hour, and the speed limit is less than 70 miles per hour.
- If you're convicted of speeding in excess of 80 miles per hour, and the speed limit is 70 miles per hour.
If you're convicted of two or more speeding charges where your speed exceeds 55 mph (and not more than 80 miles per hour), or if you're convicted of reckless driving and have one or more charges of speeding in excess of 55 (and not more than 80 miles per hour) within a 12-month period.
For the most part, a North Carolina driver's license suspension lasts up to 60 days for the first suspension, up to six months for the second suspension, and up to one year for a third and subsequent suspension.
Additional examples of the driver's license point system include:
- 1 point – Littering that involves the use or operation of a motor vehicle
- 2 points – Failing to restrain a child with a seatbelt or child seat, all other moving violations
- 3 points – Running through a red light or stop sign, failing to report an accident
- 4 points – Hit and run accidents involving property damage only, reckless driving
- 5 points – Passing a stopped school bus
See the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook for a complete list
If you have been ticketed for a traffic violation, contact us so we can defend you against the assessment of points on your drivers’ license or insurance.
North Carolina Insurance Point System
The second system involves one’s car insurance. This system is part of the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP), a plan that establishes “classes” of drivers based on their history of accidents and traffic violation convictions.
When a person is convicted of a traffic violation, they have points assessed on their insurance which serve to increase their insurance premiums by a certain percentage.
What is the Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP)?
The Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) is a program that assigns drivers to risk classes based on their driving history. The SDIP is used by insurers to determine rates for drivers who have no accidents or violations convictions.
A Safety Drivers Insurance Plan (SDIP) represents attempts in car insurance rankings to reflect an idea that drivers convicted of infringement or causing accidents to have a greater probability of being convicted in an automobile accident. The SDIP is valid for motorcycles, as well as for motor vehicle scooters. Remember the points will be assessed against policies according to points on named insured driver lists or driving households.
Examples of the insurance point system include:
- 1 point – Speeding 10 mph or less over a limit of less than 55 mph
- 2 points – Speeding 10 mph or more over a limit of 55 mph to 76 mph, driving on the wrong side of the road
- 4 points – Reckless driving, failing to stop and report when involved in an accident that causes property damage only
- 8 points – Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- 10 points – Racing on the highway, speeding to elude law enforcement
- 12 points – Vehicular manslaughter, pre-arranged highway racing, driving while under the influence of alcohol
How long do points stay on your North Carolina driver's license in North Carolina?
The points for most violations will stay on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction. However, there are some violations that will remain on your record for longer.
How long do points stay on your insurance in North Carolina?
The points for most violations will stay on your insurance record for three years from the date of conviction. However, there are some violations that will remain on your record for longer.
North Carolina driver's license points check
You can check the number of points on your North Carolina driver's license by visiting the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles website. Simply enter your driver's license number and birth date, and the website will return your point total.
If you have been ticketed for a traffic violation, contact us so we can defend you against the assessment of points on your drivers’ license or insurance.
How can I remove points from my North Carolina driver's license?
The only way to remove points from your NC driver's license is to wait for them to fall off after the allotted time has passed. You cannot have points removed by taking a driving course or ANY other method.
How can I remove insurance points from my North Carolina insurance?
The only way to remove insurance points is to wait for them to fall off after the allotted time has passed. You cannot have points removed by taking a driving course or ANY other method.
How do I know if my license has been suspended in North Carolina?
If your license has been suspended, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles will send you a notice in the mail. The notice will list the reason for the suspension and the date that the suspension will begin.
How long will my North Carolina driver's license be suspended?
The length of your NC driver's license suspension will depend on the reason for the suspension. For example, if you are convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol, your license will be suspended for one year.
How can I reinstate my North Carolina driver's license?
You will need to complete the requirements of your suspension and pay a reinstatement fee before you can reinstate your license.
How can I get my license reinstated after it has been suspended?
If your license has been suspended, you will need to complete a drivers' education course and pay a reinstatement fee. You may also be required to take a road test. For more information, contact the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.
How can I get my insurance rates lowered if I have been assigned to a high-risk class?
There are a few things you can do to try to get your insurance rates lowered if you have been assigned to a high-risk class. You can take a drivers' education course, maintain a clean driving record for three years, or participate in the Safe Driver Insurance Plan. For more information, contact your insurance company.
Keep your driving record clean with the help from an experienced attorney
Law Offices of J.M. Kotzker P.C. is the trusted traffic ticket attorney in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. We work tirelessly for each client we represent to secure positive results on their behalf. We’ll aggressively defend you against your traffic ticket to reduce the likelihood of points affecting your drivers’ license or insurance premiums.
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