Traffic violations are taken very seriously in North Carolina and can result in serious consequences. Not only might you incur a monetary fine, but some types of tickets can also come with points on your license, increased insurance premiums, license revocation, and even jail time. If you drive, it’s important to be aware of some of the most common North Carolina traffic tickets and the penalties that you might face.

Speeding Tickets

North Carolina imposes an “absolute speed limit,” which makes it illegal to drive at a speed just one mile per hour over the posted limit. If you were speeding through a school or work zone, you might face even more severe consequences. Penalties for a speeding ticket can include fines between $100 and $1,000, in addition to court costs, points on your license, or suspension of your license. You could even face license revocation depending upon how many points you’ve accumulated.

Reckless Driving

A driver can be charged with reckless driving in North Carolina if they have been found to operate their vehicle “carelessly or heedlessly in a willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others.” A reckless driving ticket may also be issued for driving at a speed that could potentially endanger other people or property. Reckless driving is not only a traffic violation, it is also a Class 2 misdemeanor that can come with a jail sentence of up to 60 days, a fine of $1,000, license suspension, and increased insurance rates.

Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License

There are many reasons a license may be revoked or suspended in North Carolina. However, if you are caught driving while your privilege to do so has been taken away, serious consequences can be imposed. You could be convicted of a misdemeanor with possible jail time of up to 120 days. Additionally, you could face license suspension for one or more years — or permanently — depending upon the number of times you’ve been found guilty of this offense.

Running a Red Light or Stop Sign

When coming to a red light or stop sign, a driver is required to come to a full stop. Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign is an infraction in North Carolina that can come with a fine of up to $100, three points on your license, and three insurance points. If you received a ticket for this offense, you have several options — you can appear in court and plead either not guilty or no contest; plead guilty by paying the fine; or complete a traffic diversion program. However, it’s important to remember that no matter how inconsequential a red light ticket might seem, if you’ve accumulated 12 or more points on your license within a three-year period, it could be suspended.

Failure to Use a Turn Signal/Unsafe Movements

Under North Carolina law, a driver is required to use a turn signal if a pedestrian or the operation of another motor vehicle would be affected. Failure to use a turn signal in these instances, also referred to as “unsafe movement” is a traffic infraction in North Carolina. This is a moving violation that can result in both license and insurance points. A driver may also be assessed a fine of up to $200.

Tailgating/Following Too Closely

Tailgating is taken very seriously in North Carolina and if you are convicted, you can face a fine and court costs along with a number of long-term ramifications. These can include two points on your license, increased car insurance costs, and license suspension if you have too many points on your driving record. Depending on the circumstances, you might also be charged with reckless or aggressive driving — which are both misdemeanors and can result in jail time, a significant fine, and a criminal record.

Failure to Yield for an Emergency Vehicle

Failure to yield for an emergency vehicle is one of the most common North Carolina traffic tickets. Pursuant to North Carolina’s “Move Over” law, a vehicle is required to move over and stop upon the approach of an emergency vehicle. These types of vehicles include law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, rescue squad emergency vehicles, and public service vehicles. If you do not move over one lane for an emergency vehicle, you can face charges for a Class 2 misdemeanor, a $250 fine, court costs, three points on your driving record, and one insurance point.

Questions About These Common North Carolina Traffic Tickets? Contact an Experienced Attorney

The above are just a few of the most common North Carolina traffic tickets. There are countless types of traffic infractions in North Carolina that can come with a wide range of consequences. If you’ve received a traffic ticket, you may have options —it’s important to consult with an attorney regarding your rights and recourse before pleading guilty and paying the fine. The Johnston County traffic ticket attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law provide skillful advocacy for a wide range of North Carolina traffic tickets. Call (919) 300-1249 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.