North Carolina takes traffic violations very seriously and severe penalties can be imposed if you are found guilty of one. While speeding is one of the most common North Carolina traffic tickets that is issued, it’s also one that can come with the most significant consequences. In some cases, your license can even be revoked — regardless of whether you had a clean driving record. Specifically, you can face a license suspension of up to one year upon conviction of certain speeding offenses.

Can You Lose Your License for Speeding?

Under North Carolina law, there are certain speeding offenses that can result in temporary license loss or revocation. This means that your driving privileges would be withdrawn for a specific period of time by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. Your license would be reinstated once the terms of the suspension have been satisfied and you have paid a reinstatement fee.

A driver can face a license revocation of 30 days (in some cases, six months or a year) if convicted of the following speeding offenses:

• Speeding more than 75 miles per hour in a zone less than 70 miles per hour
• Speeding over 80 miles per hour in a 70 miles per hour zone
• Speeding great than 15 miles per hour above a posted 55 miles per hour speed limit
• Speeding more than 80 miles per hour

In the event you’ve been convicted of two speeding offenses where you were driving at a speed in excess of 55 miles per hour, or one such offense and reckless or aggressive driving, your license could be revoked for up to one year.

Additionally, every traffic offense is associated with driving record points and insurance points. If you’ve accumulated 12 points on your driving record within a three-year time frame, you could face a suspended or revoked license.

Can You Lose Your License for Speeding in Another State?

It's essential to understand that you could also lose your license for a speeding ticket issued in another state. Most jurisdictions report traffic ticket convictions to the driver’s home state. For example, if you got a speeding ticket for traveling 85 miles per hour in a 70 miles per hour zone in Virginia, a conviction for that charge there would be grounds to suspend your license in North Carolina.

Are Limited Driving Privileges Available After a Speeding Conviction?

Many people need to operate a vehicle in order to get to school, work, or to care for their family. In such cases, limited driving privileges may be available for first time offenders. Under North Carolina law, you may petition the court for limited driving privileges if you were convicted of a speeding offense.

If you are granted limited driving privileges, it does not mean you have a full license. Rather, a judge will issue a court order which permits the holder to operate a motor vehicle only for certain purposes and during specific time periods. For instance, limited driving privileges would allow you to drive to go to school, work, religious worship, medical visits, and for household maintenance purposes. Generally, limited driving privileges allow you to operate a motor vehicle between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. — if you have non-traditional work hours, you may be able to ask the court to extend your limited driving privileges.

There are certain requirements that must be met to obtain limited driving privileges. You must be able to establish that you have insurance coverage and you were in possession of a valid license at the time you were caught speeding. You must also qualify based on your driving record. The limited driving privilege order must be kept with you at all times while operating a motor vehicle, like a driver’s license.

Insurance Consequences of a Speeding Ticket

Not only can a speeding ticket come with monetary fines, license suspension, and a blemish on your driving record — it can also lead to increased insurance premiums. Even if you were found speeding just 10 miles per hour or less in a speed zone of 55 miles per hour, you could incur two insurance points, resulting in a 45% increase in the cost of your insurance. Speeding more than 80 miles per hour in a 70 miles per hour zone can mean four insurance points and an 80% increase in your insurance.

Critically, other offenses involving speeding are treated much more severely — both under the law and by insurance companies. If you were found guilty of prearranged highway racing or knowingly leading a prearranged highway race, you could see a 340% increase in your insurance premium, along with 12 insurance points.

Contact an Experienced North Carolina Traffic Attorney

If you’ve received a ticket for speeding, it’s vital to contact an attorney before paying the fine. By simply paying the ticket, you would be pleading guilty to the violation — and incurring the penalties that come with a conviction. An experienced traffic attorney can assess your case and fight the charges against you. The Johnston County traffic ticket attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law provide aggressive advocacy for a wide range of North Carolina traffic tickets. Call (919) 300-1249 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.