The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps track of all drivers' traffic violation convictions using a point system. Drivers who accumulate too many points can face fees, driver improvement classes, and license suspension.
In North Carolina, most traffic violation convictions result in points. The number of points depends on the severity of the offense (see chart below). (N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 20-16.)
Drivers who accumulate too many points face certain penalties. However, points don't stay on your record forever.
Generally, traffic violation points stay on your record for three years in North Carolina.
The possible penalties for acquiring too many points depend on the number of points and how many prior suspensions the driver has.
After license reinstatement, the DMV deletes all demerit points on the driver's record. However, the reinstated driver will be subject to tighter restrictions for the next three years.
A third suspension violation will result in a maximum one-year suspension.
Drivers who wish to appeal their suspension can request a hearing. Even if the suspension is affirmed, the hearing officer can stay the suspension and place the driver on probation for up to one year. During this time, the driver can continue to drive, but a future traffic violation will reinstate the original suspension.
Suspended drivers are permitted to petition the district court for a restricted license. If granted, this license can be used to only travel to and from work or school, and only during limited hours.
The number of points a driver will receive for a traffic ticket depends on the particular law the driver violated.
Violation |
Points assessed |
5 |
|
Aggressive driving |
5 |
4 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
Driving on the wrong side of road |
4 |
Illegal passing |
4 |
Failure to yield to a pedestrian or cyclist |
4 |
3 |
|
Speeding over 55 miles per hour |
3 |
3 |
|
Failure to stop for siren |
3 |
3 |
|
Failure to report accident |
3 |
Speeding in school zone |
3 |
2 |
|
Unlisted violation |
2 |
Littering |
1 |
Violations occurring in a commercial vehicle often carry two to four additional points.