Getting pulled over for a traffic violation involving a stop sign or traffic signal feels like a minor inconvenience, but the true impact can be more severe. Like all states, North Carolina strictly imposes road signal laws to reduce accidents and preserve public safety.
This means you can face a violation if you fail to obey a stop sign or accidentally run a red light. Here is a guide to help you understand these traffic laws and the potential consequences of violations.
Stop sign rules
All drivers must come to a complete stop at stop signs and yield to other vehicles and pedestrians before proceeding. A rolling stop or failing to halt entirely can result in a ticket.
The repercussions can include fines, points on your driving record and increased insurance premiums. Repeat offenses could lead to more serious penalties and substantially threaten your driving privileges.
Traffic signal laws
Traffic signal violations are taken even more seriously. Running a red light, failing to yield on a yellow light or ignoring right-turn-on-red rules can result in fines and driving record points.
For instance, running a red light may introduce fines from $100 to $500. Depending on the circumstances, traffic camera footage may be used as evidence against you.
Implications of violations
Traffic violations can affect more than your wallet – they can impact your driving record, insurance rates and, in some cases, lead to a lengthy driving license suspension. Even minor infractions can accumulate into a bigger issue over time if left unaddressed.
If you are facing a stop sign or traffic signal violation in North Carolina, legal guidance can help you take steps to mitigate your situation and safeguard your driving privileges.