Did you know that 42 million speeding tickets are issued in the United States on a yearly basis? In reality, 20.6% of drivers average a speeding ticket per year. Each day, over 112,328 speeding tickets are cited from municipal police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and highway patrol troopers.
In North Carolina, speeding laws are strictly enforced to promote a safe road environment for people. Exceeding the speed limit can result in costly fines, increased insurance rates, and even the suspension of your driver’s license.
A conviction for speeding can have long-term consequences, such as higher insurance rates and limited job opportunities so it’s important to understand how the state’s speeding laws could impact your driving record.
Let’s learn more about North Carolina speeding laws and how an experienced traffic attorney can help you handle this law and protect your driving record.
Overview of Speeding Laws in North Carolina
Speed limits in North Carolina typically range from around 35 mph in cities, 55 mph on country roads, and 65-70 mph on highways. Residents of the state should observe speed limits and refrain from exceeding them by one or two miles.
A points system operates under North Carolina law. Possessing a speeding record may mean higher insurance rates and even license suspension. North Carolina traffic laws impose speed limits when passing through construction sites and school zones. Violating these will result in stricter penalties.
Car accident attorney Robert M. Lucky says that learning about the above driving violations will help you keep your record clean and avoid any problems.
Penalties for Speeding Violations
In North Carolina, the fines imposed depend on the extent to which the driver exceeds the posted speed limit. For example, if it is proven that a driver was just under 10 mph traveling over the speed limit on a given road, between $10 and $100 would be imposed. Anything above 15 mph is considered serious and would generally cost well over $100.
Besides the court fees, there will be other costs that are likely to come with fines. In some cases, one might have to go before an actual court to settle the violation.
Some speeding ticket offenses are misdemeanors, which can cause additional stress, anxiety, and unnecessary costs in your life.
Points System and Its Effect on Your Driving Record
Familiarizing yourself with the points system of North Carolina helps you address concerns regarding driving record and insurance rates.
A speeding ticket incurs points on your record that are determined based on the speed over the limit at which you were driving. For example, your driving record gains 2 points whenever you exceed the speed limit by 10 to 14 mph. 3 demerit points are given if you drive 15 mph-29 mph above the speed limit.
If you accumulate 12 points in a span of three years, your license can be suspended. As a driver, it is important to constantly monitor your points. Keep in mind that these points stay on the record for three years from the date of conviction.
Maintaining a clean record will help you obtain a Safe Driving Certificate that could reduce your points. Stay updated with the latest state traffic laws to keep your driving privileges intact.
How Speeding Affects Insurance Premiums
Insurance premiums are likely to be higher for many years due to speeding fines. The insurance company will consider you a risk, which will cause your insurance premium to possibly increase by 20% or more. The amount of increase will depend on the severity of your violation and your previous driving record.
If you have multiple offenses, the financial penalties can increase very quickly. Insurers check your record on a regular basis, so having a clean driving record can help. Driving responsibly will help you save money on your insurance premiums.
Strategies to Avoid Speeding Tickets in North Carolina
Avoid speeding tickets and traffic violations in North Carolina by being aware of existing speed limits in the state. Drive with caution around construction zones and in residential areas.
Use GPS apps on your smartphone to check speed limits and receive warnings for heavy enforcement in certain areas. Maintain safe breaking distances and keep your eyes on the road.
When in doubt about speed limits, be careful and drive at a lower speed. Check your speed often when changing roads.
You can make long highway drives easier by using cruise control to comply with the state’s legal speed limit. A driver who is alert and aware will face fewer traffic violations and likely maintain a clean driving record.
