Common North Carolina Traffic Violations and Penalties [2024 Updated]

Many residents in North Carolina don’t understand how serious receiving a ticket for certain traffic violations can be. Unfortunately, navigating the roads can sometimes prove tricky, and even the most conscientious drivers can end up facing a ticket. Before getting behind the wheel under any circumstances, it is prudent to understand common North Carolina traffic violations and penalties.

Having a grasp of these violations and penalties can be crucial if you are dealing with a traffic offense. It will also help you ensure your own safety or the safety of your passengers, along with the safety of others operating a vehicle on the roadways. If you find yourself the recipient of a traffic violation, seeking the counsel of a traffic violation attorney is crucial.

Common Traffic Violations in North Carolina

There are a variety of ways a North Carolina can receive a traffic violation. The following are the most common violations our firm has seen:

Reckless Driving

In the state of North Carolina, reckless driving isn’t just a traffic violation, it’s a misdemeanor and criminal traffic offense. Reckless driving charges include tailgating, failing to yield to the right of way, illegal passing, driving at excessively high speeds, or aggressive driving. These violations can come with extreme penalties and fines. These fines could be upward of $1,000, and jail time might be required.

Failing to Have Adequate Insurance

In the state of North Carolina, drivers are required to have the state minimum for car insurance. If you’re pulled over in a traffic stop and fail to show your insurance, you could face several penalties. These can include fines, costs for reinstating your license, probation, and the registration of your vehicle, which could be suspended for a set amount of time.

Running a Stop Sign or Red Light

One of the most common traffic violations in North Carolina, running a red light or stop sign, can lead to points on both your driving record and your insurance record. It can also lead to a fine of up to $100. In most cases, these violations are considered infractions.

Speeding

Another common traffic violation, speeding, occurs when a driver drives faster than the posted legal limit. The fine amounts vary depending on how much over the limit you were driving. You could also face points added to your driver’s license or have your license suspended if you’ve previously acquired points.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Under North Carolina law, driving under the influence is, at minimum, a misdemeanor. This means that you have ingested a substance–alcohol, drugs, or even prescription meds–that impaired your ability to operate a vehicle. Penalties for these charges can include hefty fines, jail time, probation, and court-ordered sobriety classes.

Operating a Vehicle With a Suspended License

You may have your license suspended for failing to appear in court, any DWI convictions, failing to pay child support, driving without insurance, and other violations. Getting caught operating a vehicle with a suspended license is a Class 3 misdemeanor, which could lead to a $200 fine and possible jail time.

Hit and Run

In North Carolina, it is illegal to refuse to stop at the scene of an accident. Depending on the circumstances, you can be charged with a failure to contact the police, a failure to provide information, or a failure to offer assistance. Penalties may include fines, points on your record, or even jail and prison time. Whenever you’re involved in an accident, no matter how severe, you should never flee the scene.

Potential Court Defenses for Traffic Violations in North Carolina

When severe penalties are involved, the legal counsel of an experienced North Carolina traffic violation attorney can be essential. In some instances, a good defense can help remove or reduce charges. Defenses that your attorney may employ include:

• Improper signage or lack thereof
• Necessity
• Inaccurate behavior or equipment of police officer
• Negligence
• Inadequate evidence

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Punishment for a Traffic Violation in North Carolina?

A: Determining penalties for traffic violations in North Carolina is largely dependent on the type of violation one is being charged with. Serious offenses like DWI charges or cases of reckless driving can often involve fines, points added to your license, and jail time. Lower offenses, such as running a stop sign or red light, usually come with lighter fines and the possibility of points added to your license.

Q: What Are Minor Traffic Violations in North Carolina?

A: In the state of North Carolina, common minor traffic violations include making an illegal U-turn, failing to stop for a stopped school bus, eluding police or other law enforcement officers, speeding in school zones, driving without valid registration, or violating seat belt or child restraint laws. These can still come with a litany of fines and points added to your driving record.

Q: Which Violation Carries the Most Points Against Your License in North Carolina?

A: According to the North Carolina DMV, the traffic violations that incur the most points on a personal driving record induce passing a stopped school bus and aggressive driving. Suffering an automatic suspension of your license can happen when you are charged with a DWI, highway racing, and a hit and run that results in the bodily injury or death of another person.

Q: What Is an Infraction Ticket in North Carolina?

A: Under North Carolina state law, an infraction is a violation of the law that is considered non-criminal. These can include situations in which someone fails to stop at a stop sign, improperly passes, backs up, or turns, speeds in work or school zones, and fails to yield to someone else’s right of way.

Contact The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, in Iredell County

Even the most minor traffic violations in North Carolina can lead to issues that complicate your daily life. When instances like this arise, it may prove vital to retain the counsel and representation of a trusted North Carolina traffic violation lawyer.

Contact The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, today if you find yourself faced with traffic violation charges. Seeking legal counsel may mitigate any potential penalties and help you determine the right path forward.