Most Common Traffic Violations and Penalties in North Carolina

For most of us in North Carolina, we drive every single day.

Whether going to work, school, appointments, or grocery shopping, you frequently hop in the car and get on the roads.

When driving, we are responsible for following the rules of the road to help keep everyone safe. Yet even the most careful drivers can break traffic laws if distracted or in a hurry. 

Below are a few of the most common traffic violations and penalties in North Carolina. Most traffic offenses are low-level infractions.

However, even minor infractions or violations can have longstanding consequences. Fines and penalties can add up, leading to losing your license or hiking up your insurance rates. The repercussions can be even more severe if paired with circumstances like property damage or bodily injury. 

Although you may think paying a ticket is no big deal and can save time, you are ultimately admitting guilt. Paying a fine or getting convicted of a traffic violation can still result in serious consequences.

Talk to an experienced traffic law attorney to help you decide the best course of action.

The Tetterton Law Firm, PLLC, is knowledgeable about the common traffic violations listed below and many more. Joshua Tetterton will be your champion in court and fight against your traffic violations.

Contact us online or call (252) 728-1373 today for a free consultation.

Speeding

One of the most common traffic violations in NC is speeding. If you are caught speeding, a law enforcement officer will issue you a ticket or citation. The citation can impose fines for speeding.

The fines depend on the area you were driving in and how much over the speed limit you were driving. Speeding fines typically range from $10 to $50. And related court costs can often be around $200.

Tickets for speeding in work and school zones have significantly higher fines. These zones are often marked with more signs and flashing lights to let you know to slow down and that there are workers or schoolchildren in the area. If you are speeding in a work or school zone, the fines can be $250.

In North Carolina, exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph or more or driving over 80 mph is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor. Convictions may lead to fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.

Speeding can also lead to points on your DMV record and insurance hikes. The DMV tracks points that you receive for speeding. Speeding generally results in 3 points on your record.

If you accumulate 12 points in 3 years, your license may be suspended. The DMV also relays the point information to your car insurance company. The insurance company may increase your rates based on your points. 

Reckless Driving

If you are driving with “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of others, it is reckless behavior.

Some driving behaviors that often rise to the level of recklessness include:

• Aggressive lane changes,
• Tailgating,
• Excessive speeding,
• Going through a red light, 
• Not yielding,
• Illegal passing, or 
• Street racing.

You may wonder, Is a traffic violation a criminal offense? Some are. Not only can the court impose higher fines for reckless driving (up to $1,000), it is a Class 2 criminal misdemeanor.

Reckless driving can result in up to 60 days of jail time, suspension of your driver’s license, and 4 points on your driving record. A conviction for reckless driving can also result in a permanent criminal record. 

The court may impose even greater penalties if reckless driving results in property damage or serious harm to another person. 

Stop Sign or Stop Light Violations

Other common traffic violation examples are stop sign and red light violations. When you encounter a stoplight or stop sign, you are legally required to come to a complete stop.

If you fail to stop or come to a complete stop, you may be issued a citation. Stop sign and light violations are usually lesser infractions with fines of around $50. You will also have to pay court costs, which can get up to around $200.

Stop sign or light violations can also lead to points on your DMV record and insurance. Stop sign or light violations result in 3 points on your record. The insurance company may also increase your rates based on your points. 

Texting While Driving

We have all become very used to being connected to our cell phones. We text, search the internet, and talk on our phones all the time. But texting while driving can be very dangerous.

North Carolina prohibits texting or emailing while driving. If police see you using your cell phone, they can stop you and issue a citation. 

Texting while driving is a civil infraction and may result in a fine of $100 plus court costs. No points will be added to your driving record or insurance. With no added points on your record, your insurance also won’t be affected. 

Facing Traffic Violation? Tetterton Law Firm, PLLC Is Ready to Help You Fight Your Traffic Offenses in N.C.

The Tetterton Law Firm, PLLC, is ready to help you fight your traffic offenses in N.C. Joshua Tetterton is prepared to work on your case regardless of how simple or complex it is.

Other traffic violations Joshua can help you with include, but are not limited to:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI),
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license,
• Improper equipment,
• Boating while impaired (BUI),
• No operator’s license,
• Aggressive driving, and
• Hit and run.

As a solo attorney, Joshua is able to spend focused time with each of his clients. He also makes sure he is readily available by phone, email, and text message to answer your questions and walk you through the process. 

The Tetterton Law Firm focuses on traffic violations. Joshua also worked for the District Attorney’s Office, so he is deeply familiar with how the prosecutors operate and how they build their case against you.

He will be able to poke holes in their case, put solid defenses in play, and potentially negotiate a favorable plea agreement.

Contact us online or call (252) 728-1373 today to learn if we are the right firm to help you fight your traffic violations.