Few things can ruin a day faster than receiving a traffic ticket. It’s generally something that you want to deal with quickly and move on.
However, many people don’t fully understand that the consequences of a traffic violation may go beyond simply paying a fine. That’s because North Carolina uses a points system to track driving violations, and those points can affect your driving record, your license status and your vehicle insurance rates.
Two types of points systems
There are two separate point systems: driver’s license points administered by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and insurance points used by insurers to calculate premium increases. Both these types of points are related to traffic violations, but they operate differently and can lead to different consequences.
You receive driver’s license points when you are convicted of certain traffic violations. The severity of the offense determines the number of points. For example, you can receive 3 points for running a stop sign or red light, while aggressive driving (driving in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, other people) can result in 8 points.
Accumulating too many points within a certain time period can result in a license suspension. Your license could be suspended for up to 60 days if you accumulate 12 points within 3 years. If you receive 8 points within 3 years of a previous suspension, you may face a suspension of up to 6 months.
The monetary cost of traffic violations
Even if your license isn’t suspended, traffic violations can still affect your wallet. Insurance companies use their own point systems to determine premiums. One insurance point can increase your premium by about 40%, while 12 insurance points could potentially raise your premiums by as much as 340%.
Furthermore, insurance points can remain on a record for several years. That means a single violation can have lasting financial consequences.
Understanding North Carolina’s points system is essential in protecting both your driving privileges and your bottom line. Since even a seemingly minor traffic violation can have long-term consequences, it’s worth exploring your legal options before simply paying the ticket and accepting the penalties.