
Imagine cruising along the scenic coastal roads of Carteret County, the ocean breeze in your hair, and suddenly, flashing blue lights appear in your rearview mirror. A momentary lapse in judgment leads to a speeding ticket, and now you’re left wondering—how long do speeding tickets stay on your record?
Whether it’s your first offense or another mark on your record, protect your driving future by understanding the impact of speeding tickets in North Carolina.
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How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in North Carolina?
Many hit with traffic infractions wonder, How long do speeding tickets stay on your record? It’s a natural question when you are concerned about a ticket you just got.
In North Carolina, a speeding ticket generally stays on your driving record for three years. However, the points associated with a speeding ticket can have an immediate and lasting impact on your driving privileges and wallet.
Insurance companies also consider traffic violations for three years when setting your rates. Under North Carolina’s Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP), your insurance premiums may increase significantly based on the number of points added to your record. The state categorizes offenses based on severity, so the faster you drive over the speed limit, the harsher the consequences.
Do Speeding Tickets Go Away?
While speeding tickets don’t stay on your record forever, their effects can last years. After three years, the violation may no longer affect your insurance rates. However, state databases maintain these records, allowing law enforcement and court officials to access your complete driving history.
Accumulating multiple speeding tickets or traffic violations over a short period can trigger harsher consequences. For example, if you accrue 12 points within three years, you risk losing your driver’s license under NCGS § 20-16.
By understanding how long tickets impact your record, you can take proactive steps to avoid escalating penalties and protect your driving privileges.
How Many Points Is a Speeding Ticket in NC?
The number of points assigned to your record depends on the specific violation:
- 1 Point—driving less than 10 mph over the speed limit in a zone where the speed is less than 55 mph;
- 2 Points—speeding 10 mph over the limit in a zone where the speed is 55 mph or higher;
- 3 Points—driving more than 10 mph over the limit in a 70 mph zone; and
- 4 Points—reckless driving or speeding over 75 mph.
This point system highlights the importance of maintaining a clean driving record to avoid costly penalties and potential license suspensions.
Can You Remove Speeding Tickets from Your Record?
Although you cannot completely remove a speeding ticket from your record, there are ways to reduce its impact. North Carolina offers opportunities to mitigate the consequences of a traffic violation, such as:
- Requesting a prayer for judgment continued (PJC). This legal option allows you to admit guilt without facing points on your insurance or license. However, PJCs are limited to specific circumstances and may not be available for severe violations.
- Taking a driving safety course. Completing a defensive driving course may reduce points on your record, depending on the specifics of your case and court approval.
- Challenging the ticket in court. With an experienced traffic attorney by your side, you may be able to contest the ticket, negotiate a lesser charge, or even have the violation dismissed entirely.
Each of these options is a way to reduce the ticket’s impact and protect your driving record.
Why Addressing Speeding Tickets Matters
Ignoring a speeding ticket can have far-reaching consequences. Failure to pay or address a ticket can result in a suspended license, additional fines, or even a warrant for your arrest. Accumulating points can also make maintaining affordable insurance rates or even retaining your driving privileges difficult.
Proactively addressing a speeding ticket demonstrates responsibility and positions you to avoid harsher penalties. Whether exploring legal options, negotiating with prosecutors, or mitigating points on your record, our team will preserve your rights and reputation.
Your Ticket, Our Fight
At the Tetterton Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to face a speeding ticket or other traffic violation. As a firm exclusively focused on criminal and traffic law in Carteret County, we have the local knowledge and experience to effectively guide you through this process.
Whether you need help reducing points, minimizing penalties, or contesting a ticket, we’re here to fight for your best outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your traffic issue.
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