In North Carolina, driving violations are tracked by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) via a point system. The more severe the infraction, the more points you can accumulate on your license. Having too many points can lead to consequences, such as fees, having to take driving courses, and suspension of your license.
The Consequences of Having Too Many Points:
There are a couple of things that are considered when it comes to the consequences of point accumulation, such as the number of points, the time, and previous suspensions.
If you collect 7 points in three years, you will get a warning letter from the DMV, and you will be invited to take driver improvement courses. These courses cost $70 but will wave three of the points on your license.
If you collect 12 points in three years, your license will be suspended for 60 days. After your license is reinstated, all of your demerit points will be wiped from your driving record. However, there will be restrictions for the next three years.
If you collect four points within three years of your license being reinstated, you’ll receive a warning letter from the DMV and will be invited to take a driver improvement course. Again, this course will cost $70 but will wave three points off of your license.
If you collect 8 points within three years of your license being reinstated, the DMV will suspend your license for up to 6 months. If you continue to collect points, your license can be suspended for up to a year.
The Point Breakdown:
|
Conviction: |
Point Value: |
Commercial Point Value: |
|
Overload |
0 |
0 |
|
Overlength |
0 |
0 |
|
Over width |
0 |
0 |
|
Over height |
0 |
0 |
|
Illegal Parking |
0 |
0 |
|
Carrying Concealed Weapon |
0 |
0 |
|
Improper Plates |
0 |
0 |
|
Improper Muffler |
0 |
0 |
|
Improper Dealers’ Tag or License Plates Display |
0 |
0 |
|
Unlawful Display of Emblems of Insignia |
0 |
0 |
|
Failure to Display Current Inspection Certificate |
0 |
0 |
|
Littering Involving a Motor Vehicle |
1 |
1 |
|
All Unlisted Moving Violations |
2 |
3 |
|
Failure to Restrain a Child Properly in a Car Seat or in a Seatbelt |
2 |
4 |
|
Speeding in a School Zone |
3 |
4 |
|
Failure to Report an Accident |
3 |
4 |
|
No Liability Insurance |
3 |
4 |
|
Driving Through a Safety Zone |
3 |
4 |
|
Failure to Stop for Sirens |
3 |
4 |
|
No License or Expired License |
3 |
4 |
|
Running a Red Light |
3 |
4 |
|
Failure to Yield to the Right of Way |
3 |
4 |
|
Speeding in Excess of 55 mph |
3 |
4 |
|
Running a Stop Sign |
3 |
4 |
|
Failure to Yield Right of Way to Bicycle, Motor Scooter, or Motorcycle |
4 |
5 |
|
Failure to Yield Right of Way to Pedestrian(s) |
4 |
5 |
|
Illegal Passing |
4 |
5 |
|
Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road |
4 |
5 |
|
Following Too Close |
4 |
5 |
|
Hit & Run, Property Damage Only |
4 |
5 |
|
Reckless Driving |
4 |
5 |
|
Aggressive Driving |
5 |
6 |
|
Passing a Stopped School Bus |
5 |
8 |
Suspension of License:
Some offenses completely skip points and result in a full suspension of license.
|
Offense: |
Suspension Time: |
|
Failure to Yield Right of Way While Entering an Intersection |
90 Days, $500 Fine |
|
Turning at a Stop or Yield Sign |
90 Days, $500 Fine |
|
Entering a Roadway |
90 Days, $500 Fine |
|
Approaching an Emergency Vehicle, Construction, and Maintenance Area When the Offense Results in Serious Injury |
90 Days, $500 Fine |
|
Willful Refusal to Submit to a Blood or Breath Alcohol Test |
1 year |
|
Attempting to Obtain a License or Learner Permit Under False Pretenses |
1 year |
|
Two Charges of Reckless Driving Within 12 Months |
1 year |
|
Failure to Stop and Give Aid When Involved in an Accident |
1 year |
|
Speeding in Excess of 55 mph and at Least 15 mph Over the Legal Limit While Attempting to Avoid Arrest |
1 year |
|
Assault with a Motor Vehicle |
1 year |
|
Death By Vehicle |
1 year |
|
Manslaughter |
1 year |
|
Prearranged Racing with Another Motor Vehicle on the Highway |
3 years |
|
Watching, Betting on, or Loaning a Car for Prearranged Racing |
3 years |
|
Manslaughter While Under the Influence of Impairing Substance(s) |
Permanent |
At Craft Law Offices, we are pros at dealing with traffic violations. Call Craft Law Offices and schedule your free consultation at 252-752-0297 or visit us at craftlawoffice.com.