Picture this scene. You are running late for work so you’re in a hurry. Traffic isn’t that heavy, so you press harder on the accelerator. Then, the unthinkable happens. Flashing lights behind you. The unintended stop concludes with a citation, and the journey resumes, yet the question looms: what financial toll does a speeding violation exact in North Carolina? Is contestation a viable path, or should one acquiesce to the fine?
North Carolina Speeding Ticket Financial Implications
In North Carolina, the financial penalty for speeding spans from a nominal $10 to a substantial $250.
- Exceeding the limit by 1 to 5 mph incurs a $10 fine
- Surpassing by 6 to 10 mph results in a $15 fine
- Exceeding by 11 to 15 mph attracts a $30 fine
- A velocity 16 mph beyond the limit garners a $50 fine
- Violations within school or work zones demand a $250 fine
These figures stand exclusive of additional fees and court costs, starting at $188.
Repercussions of Speeding Violations in North Carolina
The ramifications extend beyond immediate financial outlays so it may be a good idea to contact a traffic lawyer Raleigh NC to assist with your speeding ticket. Accumulated points on a driving record can inflate insurance premiums, with severe breaches risking license revocation. Each added point on the record escalates insurance costs, underscoring the importance of adherence to speed regulations for both safety and financial prudence.
Mandatory Court Appearance
North Carolina’s rigorous traffic legislation mandates court appearances for ticket recipients, challenging those inclined to simply settle the fine. Certain minor infractions may forgo this requirement, yet such resolutions implicitly acknowledge guilt, potentially influencing one’s driving privileges and insurance rates. It is prudent to consult with a seasoned attorney prior to electing this course of action.
Point System for Speeding Tickets in North Carolina
The state’s punitive framework for traffic violations encompasses license points and insurance repercussions under the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP). Accumulation of points can lead to license suspension by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, while insurance points precipitate premium hikes, reflecting the gravity of maintaining a clean driving record.
If you are pulled over for driving 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, you may be charged with a speeding violation. The penalty will depend on the circumstances of the situation, your driving record so far, and where you were caught.
Typically, first-time offenses receive a fine of up to $250 and three points added to your license. But if you are caught in a school or designated work zone, the penalties will be more costly. Repeat offenders or driving at excessively high speeds may have higher fines, driver’s license suspension, or even jail time.
Getting a Speeding Ticket Reduced
You can pay the speed ticket outright but before you do, consider your insurance premium increasing. A traffic ticket lawyer explains three options you have for handling the ticket.
1 – Request a Reduction
You can request to get your speeding charge reduced to a lesser offense if you are:
- Over 18 with a valid NC driver’s license
- Don’t have a commercial driver’s license
- Were driving between 10 to 19 mph over the speed limit
- Were driving under 80 mph
2 – Prayer for Judgement Continued
This means you are pleading guilty and asking the court for mercy. The judgement is postponed indefinitely. Even though there is no fine or higher insurance premiums, you will still have to pay court costs. Additionally, you can only use one PJC once every three years per insurance policy. If you have multiple drivers on your policy, you may only use one per policy, not per person.
3 – Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer
By working with an experienced speeding ticket attorney who knows how to dispute a driving offense, you may have better results than going it alone.
Don’t let one moment in time negatively affect your driver’s license and insurance for years to come.
