How a North Carolina speeding ticket works

A speeding ticket in North Carolina is a traffic citation issued by law enforcement when you drive faster than the posted speed limit or faster than is safe for conditions. The officer writes the violation on a ticket that includes the speed you were clocked at, the speed limit, the location, and the date. You are not admitting guilt by signing the ticket—you are straightforward acknowledging that you received it.

The ticket tells you the court where your case will be heard and the date you must respond. You have three choices: pay the fine, contest the ticket in court, or request a prayer for judgment continued (PJC), which is a North Carolina-specific option that dismisses the charge if you stay violation-free for a set period.

The consequences of a speeding ticket depend on how far over the limit you were driving. Speeding 1 to 9 miles per hour over the limit is typically a non-moving violation with a smaller fine. Speeding 10 miles per hour or more over the limit is a moving violation that adds points to your driving record and can raise your insurance rates.

Key Takeaways

  • North Carolina speeding tickets are classified as non-moving violations (1–9 mph over) or moving violations (10+ mph over), and only moving violations add points to your record.
  • You can pay the fine, go to court to contest it, or request a prayer for judgment continued, which keeps the violation off your record if you avoid violations for 12 months.
  • Fines range from around $25 to $250 depending on how far over the limit you were, plus court costs that vary by county.
  • A moving violation adds points that can lead to license suspension if you accumulate 12 or more points within three years.
  • Insurance companies can see moving violations on your record and often raise your rates for three to five years after the ticket.

Fines and court costs in North Carolina

North Carolina law sets a base fine schedule for speeding, but the total amount you pay includes both the fine and court costs. The base fine for speeding 1 to 9 miles per hour over the limit starts around $25, while speeding 10 to 15 miles per hour over the limit typically begins around $50. Speeding more than 25 miles per hour over the limit can result in fines of $100 or more.

Court costs are added on top of the fine and vary by county. These costs cover the operation of the court system and typically range from $50 to $200 depending on where you were cited. Some counties charge a flat fee; others charge based on the type of violation. When you receive your ticket, it should list the court costs for your specific county.

If you pay the fine without going to court, you are paying what is called a "waiver"—you are not contesting the ticket. The fine and costs are due by the date listed on your ticket. Paying late can result in additional penalties or a license suspension.

Moving violations, points, and your driving record

North Carolina uses a points system to track traffic violations. A speeding ticket that is a moving violation (10 mph or more over the limit) adds points to your driving record. The number of points depends on how far over the limit you were: speeding 10 to 15 miles per hour over adds 3 points; speeding 16 to 25 miles per hour over adds 4 points; speeding more than 25 miles per hour over adds 5 points.

If you accumulate 12 or more points within a three-year period, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles will suspend your license. A first suspension typically lasts 60 days. A second suspension within three years lasts 90 days. A third suspension lasts one year. You can request a hearing to contest the suspension, but the points must be on your record for the suspension to be lifted.

Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation, not from the date you paid the fine. After three years, they are removed and no longer count toward a suspension. However, insurance companies may still see the violation on your record for longer.

How speeding tickets affect your insurance

Insurance companies pull your driving record when you renew your policy or when you shop for a new insurer. A moving violation from a speeding ticket will appear on that record. Most insurers raise rates after a moving violation, though the increase varies by company and by how far over the limit you were.

A ticket for speeding 10 to 15 miles per hour over the limit typically results in a smaller rate increase than one for speeding 25 miles per hour or more over. Some insurers may increase your rate by 10 to 25 percent; others may increase it more. The increase usually lasts three to five years, even after the points are removed from your driving record.

Non-moving violations (1 to 9 mph over the limit) do not add points and usually do not affect your insurance rate, though some insurers may still see the citation on your record. If you are unsure whether your ticket is a moving or non-moving violation, check the ticket itself or contact the court listed on it.

Contesting a speeding ticket in court

You have the right to contest your ticket in front of a judge. To do this, you must appear in the district court listed on your ticket on or before the date shown. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney. When you go to court, the officer who issued the ticket must be present to testify about how they determined your speed (radar, laser, pacing, or visual estimation).

If the officer does not appear, the case is often dismissed. If the officer does appear, you can cross-examine them about their equipment, training, and the conditions under which they clocked your speed. Common defenses include equipment malfunction, officer error, or misidentification of your vehicle. However, if the officer testifies credibly and the judge finds you were speeding, you will be found guilty and must pay the fine and court costs.

Going to court does not may provide a lower fine, but it does give you a chance to have the ticket dismissed. Some people hire traffic attorneys who know the local courts and judges and may negotiate a reduction to a non-moving violation or a lower fine. Attorney fees typically range from $150 to $500, so weigh that cost against the fine and potential insurance increase.

Prayer for judgment continued in North Carolina

A prayer for judgment continued (PJC) is a North Carolina legal option that allows you to have a traffic charge dismissed without admitting guilt, provided you do not receive another traffic violation within 12 months. It is not a guilty plea and not a not-guilty plea—it is a request to the judge to continue your case indefinitely.

If the judge grants a PJC, the charge is dismissed after 12 months of clean driving. The violation does not appear on your public driving record and does not add points. However, insurance companies can still see a PJC on your record in some cases, so it may not prevent a rate increase. You are allowed one PJC every three years in North Carolina.

To request a PJC, you must appear in court on the date listed on your ticket. You can request it in person or, in some courts, by mail or phone. The judge has discretion to grant or deny a PJC. If denied, you can still choose to pay the fine or contest the ticket. If granted and you receive another violation within 12 months, the original charge will be reinstated and you will face both violations.

License suspension and how to restore it

If your points reach 12 or more within three years, the Division of Motor Vehicles will send you a notice of suspension. Your license will be suspended 10 days after the notice is mailed. You cannot drive during the suspension period, and driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense.

To restore your license after suspension, you must wait out the suspension period (60 days for a first suspension) and then explore for reinstatement. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is currently $100 in North Carolina. You can explore online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Once your process is processed and approved, your license is restored.

If you receive another violation during the suspension period, the suspension will be extended. You can request a hearing before the DMV to contest the suspension, but you must do so within 10 days of receiving the notice. At the hearing, you can argue that the points should not count or that there are mitigating circumstances, though the burden is on you to prove your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a speeding ticket dismissed if the officer doesn't show up to court?

Yes. If the officer who issued the ticket does not appear in court on your trial date, the case is typically dismissed. However, you must still show up on the date listed on your ticket. If you do not appear and the officer does, the judge may find you guilty in your absence.

Will a PJC keep my insurance rates from going up?

A PJC keeps the violation off your public driving record and prevents points from being added, but insurance companies can sometimes see a PJC on your record. Whether it affects your rates depends on your insurer's policy. Call your insurance company to ask how they treat a PJC before you request one in court.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on my record?

Points from a moving violation stay on your driving record for three years. After three years, they are removed and no longer count toward a license suspension. However, insurance companies may see the violation for longer—typically three to five years—and may continue to charge higher rates based on it.

What is the difference between a non-moving and moving violation?

A non-moving violation (speeding 1–9 mph over the limit) does not add points to your record and usually does not affect your insurance. A moving violation (speeding 10+ mph over the limit) adds points and can raise your insurance rates. Your ticket should indicate which type of violation you received.

Can I pay my ticket online?

Many North Carolina courts allow online payment through their websites. Check the ticket for the court's contact information or website. If online payment is not available, you can pay by mail, phone, or in person at the courthouse. Payment must be received by the due date on your ticket.