The NC DMV Point System

Old Rowan County NC Post Office & Federal Courthouse

By now you’ve probably heard a lot about “NC points.” But what is the NC point system? And why does it matter? The phrase NC points is slightly a misnomer. In North Carolina, convictions for traffic violations can result in two different types of point under the point system: DMV points (points on your driver’s license) and insurance points (points that make your insurance rate increase). Generally, when a person is convicted of a traffic violation they are punished under the point system with both insurance and DMV points. If you’ve ever wondered how many points a speeding ticket is or how a traffic ticket might affect your insurance then look no further! Please pay particular attention to how a DWI impacts your insurance.

How do DMV points affect my NC driver’s license?

Your NC driver’s license will be suspended if:

  • You accumulate 8 points or more in the 3 years following a license suspension OR
  • You accumulate 12 points or more in 3 years

The length of the suspension is determined by the number of suspensions you’ve previously had. Generally, the length of suspension is as follows:

  • First suspension: 60 days maximum
  • Second suspension: 6 months maximum
  • Any subsequent suspensions: 1 year

How do insurance points affect my insurance rates?

  • 1 point: 30% increase
  • 2 points: 45% increase
  • 3 points: 60% increase
  • 4 points: 80% increase
  • 8 points: 195% increase
  • 10 points: 260% increase
  • 12 points: 340% increase

NC DMV and Insurance Points (including, but not limited to):

Offense NC DMV Points Insurance Points
Improper Equipment 0 DMV Points 0 Insurance Points
Failure to Notify The DMV of an Address Chnage 0 DMV Points 0 Insurance Points
Littering while driving 1 DMV Point 1 Insurance Point
Speeding (10 mph or less over limit when speed limit is less than 55 2 DMV Points 1 Insurance Point
Speeding (10 mph or less over limit when speed limit is greater than 55) 2 DMV Points 2 Insurance Points
Speeding in a school zone 3 DMV Points, generally Insurance Points Depend on Speed
Speeding over 55 mph 3 DMV Points Insurance Points Depend on Speed
Speeding (80 mph or higher when limit is 70 mph or higher) 3 DMV Points 4 Insurance Points
Speeding (75 mph or higher when limit is less than 70 mph) 3 DMV Points 4 Insurance Points
At fault accident (property damage > $1,800, but < $3,000) 3 DMV Points 2 Insurance Points
Failing to report an accident (where required) 3 DMV Points
Lack of liability car insurance 3 DMV Points
Failing to stop for a siren 3 DMV Points 1 Insurance Point
Running a red light 3 DMV Points 1 Insurance Point
Running a stop sign 3 DMV Points 1 Insurance Point
Failing to yield right-of-way to another vehicle 3 DMV Points 1 Insurance Point
Failing to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian 4 DMV Points 1 Insurance Point
Driving on the wrong side of the road 4 DMV Points 2 Insurance Points
Following too closely behind another car 4 DMV Points 2 Insurance Points
Hit and run with property damage 4 DMV Points 4 Insurance Points
Reckless driving 4 DMV Points 4 Insurance Points
Aggressive driving 5 DMV Points 8 Insurance Points
Passing a stopped school bus 5 DMV Points 4 Insurance Points
Driving while revoked or suspended License Suspended 8 Insurance Points
Speeding to elude arrest License Revoked 10 Insurance Points
Highway racing License Revoked 10 Insurance Points
DWI License Revoked 12 Insurance Points
Manslaughter/negligent homicide License Revoked 12 Insurance Points
Prearranged racing License Revoked 12 Insurance Points

Never pay off a citation without consulting a licensed North Carolina traffic attorney.

If you have any questions about your driving record or your options after receiving a traffic citation contact us today for a free consultation!