NC Traffic Citation Points can not only result in a monetary fine — you may also have points assessed on your license. Each type of violation has a different point value associated with it, depending upon the severity of the infraction. In the event you receive a traffic ticket, it’s important to take action and protect your rights. Critically, if you receive enough North Carolina traffic citation points within a certain amount of time, your license could be suspended.

What Is the NC DMV Traffic Citation Point System?

The North Carolina traffic citation point system assesses points against a driver’s license for traffic violations. Each infraction results in a specific number of NC traffic citation points being added to your license. Importantly, DMV points are not to be confused with the insurance points system, which are points that increase your insurance rates.

Some of the most commonly issued traffic tickets and their corresponding DMV points include:

• Littering from the vehicle — 1 point
• Running a red light — 3 points
• Speeding in a “safety zone” — 3 points
• Reckless driving — 4 points
• Failure to yield to a pedestrian — 4 points
• Following too closely — 4 points
• Driving on the wrong side of the road — 4 points
• Passing a stopped school bus — 5 points

You can check the status of your driver’s license and the number of points on your record on your DMV account online.

How Many NC Traffic Citation Points Lead to License Loss?

If you accumulate 12 or more North Carolina traffic citation points within a three-year period, your license will be suspended. Once your license has been reinstated, any points previously accumulated will be canceled. However, if you accumulate eight points within three years after your license has been reinstated, you can face an additional suspension.

The length of license suspension is as follows:

• First suspension — 60 days
• Second suspension — Six months
• Third suspension — One year
• Subsequent suspension – One year

Certain types of traffic infractions lead to an automatic license suspension. For example, a conviction of vehicular manslaughter, highway racing, DWI, and speeding to elude arrest can all result in a permanent or temporary termination of your driving privileges. In addition, driving at a speed more than 80 miles per hour — or going 15 miles per hour over a posted 55 mile per hour speed limit — can result in a suspension ranging from 30 days to 1 year.

Can You Reduce the Number of Points Assessed on Your License?

Yes, it is possible to reduce NC traffic ticket points by attending a Driver Improvement Clinic. However, you must have accumulated at least four points on the eight-point scale, or seven points on the 12-point scale in order to be eligible. A driver is permitted to attend a clinic once every five years.

To reduce your North Carolina traffic citation points by attending a driver improvement clinic, you must first qualify at an eligibility hearing. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles sends a letter to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria. If you apply for the hearing, you must also pay the applicable filing fee. You will then be assigned a date where you will attend a conference with an administrative hearings officer who will make the determination regarding your eligibility.

Contesting a Traffic Violation in Court

If you have received a traffic ticket for a moving violation or another infraction that may result in points on your license, you should not simply admit guilt and pay the fine. It may be in your best interests to fight the ticket in court — especially if you already have NC traffic violation points on your record. Significantly, even a minor infraction can result in loss of your license if you have accumulated enough North Carolina traffic citation points.

By retaining an attorney to handle your traffic ticket, you may not need to appear in court. A knowledgeable traffic violation attorney can contest the ticket on your behalf. Depending on the circumstances, they may even be able to have your charge reduced to a non-moving violation, which would not carry any DMV or insurance points.

Contact an Experienced North Carolina Traffic Violation Attorney

If you’ve received a traffic ticket, it’s essential to have a diligent attorney by your side who can fight for the best possible outcome in your case. The Johnston County traffic infractions attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law are dedicated to providing skillful representation for a broad scope of traffic violations in North Carolina. Call (919) 300-1249 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.