If you were issued a traffic ticket for speeding or another violation, you may be wondering what your options are to avoid incurring points on your license. For instance, you might be considering whether you should pay the ticket, fight it, or go to driver’s school. Although you shouldn’t simply pay the fine — because this is the equivalent of pleading guilty — you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of attending traffic school vs. fighting a ticket.

What Happens if You Get a Traffic Ticket in North Carolina?

A traffic ticket in North Carolina should not be taken lightly. It can result in several penalties, based on the ticket that was issued, the seriousness of the offense, and how many points you have on your license. While the fine for a minor infraction can range between $50 and $150, a serious offense can lead to a fine of $2,000.

A conviction for a traffic offense can also lead to points on your license — as well as points on your insurance record. Each traffic violation in North Carolina is assigned a different value of DMV points and insurance points, based on the severity of the offense. For example, speeding 10 miles per hour or less over the limit when the posted speed limit is less than 55 can in some cases result in two DMV points and one insurance point. A conviction of highway racing can result in license revocation by the DMV and 12 insurance points.

If you have accumulated 12 or more points on your license within a period of three years, your license will be suspended. A first license suspension is a maximum of 60 days. A second suspension can result in loss of your driving privileges for six months. Any subsequent suspensions can cause you to lose your license for one year. Additionally, 12 points on your license can lead to a 340% increase in your insurance rates.

Can Attending Traffic School for a Ticket Reduce the Impact?

North Carolina does not have a statewide defensive driving program. However, some prosecutors may allow a traffic violator to attend a traffic school course, depending on the type of ticket that was issued. By attending traffic school for a ticket in North Carolina, you may be able to reduce the impact of your ticket by having the fine reduced — or even keeping the ticket off your record entirely in some cases. Importantly, completing a driver’s school course can help you avoid incurring points on your license and increased insurance premiums.

Also referred to as driver improvement clinics, traffic school classes typically last up to eight hours. Some of the topics that may be covered can include the following:

• State driving laws
• Defensive driving skills
• Understanding how alcohol and drugs can impact driving abilities
• How to be a safer driver

There is virtually no downside in attending traffic school, apart from the time that it would take to attend the class. Individual courts throughout North Carolina implement their own criteria for determining who is eligible for traffic school and what programs have been approved. It is within the discretion of the prosecutor to determine whether a traffic school course may be taken online or in a classroom setting in-person.

Is it Better to Fight a Ticket Than Attend Traffic School?

While traffic school can come with many benefits, depending on your circumstances, it’s vital to consider whether fighting the ticket is the best course of action to pursue. It’s a good idea to discuss your specific case with an experienced traffic ticket attorney who can identify whether you have any viable defenses available. Fighting a ticket may be advisable in some cases. However, in others, you may risk a license suspension or other harm if you fight and lose. A good lawyer can give you advice that will help you.

Contact an Experienced North Carolina Traffic Ticket Attorney

If you’ve received a ticket for a traffic violation, it’s best to have an experienced attorney by your side who can help ensure you do not receive points on your license or insurance policy. The Johnston County traffic ticket attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law provide reliable representation and aggressive advocacy for a variety of traffic-related offenses in North Carolina. Call (919) 300-1249 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you.