5 Facts About Speeding Tickets in North Carolina
It can be costly and inconvenient to receive a speeding ticket. Speeding is one of the most common moving violations in the US, which is why many law enforcement agencies have speeding ticket quotas in place. By encouraging law enforcement officers to enforce traffic laws and improving public safety, they aim to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Before deciding on whether you’ll pay for the ticket, look for alternative options or if possible, you can also try to contest it. According to personal injury lawyer Lyndon R. Helton, speeding is a dangerous behavior that often leads to collisions and crashes, and therefore should not be encouraged. If you think you have been incorrectly given a speeding ticket though, there are ways to contest it.
This article will guide you through the five key facts about speeding tickets in North Carolina that can be useful in such a situation.
Speeding Ticket Fines and Penalties
Receiving a speeding ticket in North Carolina will subject you to fines and penalties. The amount of the fine depends on how fast you were driving over the speed limit. If you were caught going 10 mph or less over the limit, the fine is usually $10 for each mph over.
If you were to go more than 10 mph over the limit, the fine increases to $15 for each mph over. For instance, if you were going 15 mph over the limit, the fine would be $225. These fines can add up quickly, especially if you significantly exceed the speed limit.
Aside from the fines, you may also face other penalties. These can include points on your driving record, increased insurance rates, and even the possibility of having your driver’s license suspended.
A Myrtle Beach traffic ticket attorney from Axelrod & Associates, says that if you receive a speeding ticket, it’s advisable to carefully review your options, which may include paying the fine, contesting the ticket in court, or seeking legal advice.
Impact on Your Driving Record
When you receive a speeding ticket, it goes on your driving record, which is maintained by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A speeding ticket on your record can have several negative consequences.
- It can lead to an increase in your insurance premiums. Insurance companies view speeding tickets as a sign of risky behavior and may raise your rates accordingly.
- Accumulation of points. In North Carolina, if you accumulate too many points within a certain period, your license may be suspended.
The number of points assessed for a speeding ticket depends on how fast you were driving over the speed limit. For example, driving 10 mph over the speed limit will result in two points, while driving 15 mph or more over the speed limit will result in three points.
Potential Increase in Insurance Rates
As your insurance company views you as a higher-risk driver, raising your rates will compensate for the increased likelihood of future accidents. The amount by which your insurance rates may increase depends on several factors.
- The Severity of the Speeding Offense
- Your Previous Driving Record
- The Policies of Your Specific Insurance Company
The more serious the offense and the more points you accumulate on your driving record, the higher your insurance rates will be.
Insurance companies in North Carolina consider speeding tickets to be a red flag indicating that you may engage in risky driving behavior. They use this information to assess your overall risk profile and determine the appropriate premium to charge for your coverage.
These Insurance rate increases aren’t immediate. Insurance companies review your driving record when it comes time to renew your policy. At that point, they may adjust your rates based on any recent traffic violations, including speeding tickets.
Available Options for Contesting a Speeding Ticket
When you receive a speeding ticket, you have the option to plead guilty and pay the fine. On the other hand, if you believe that you were wrongly accused or if you want to look at other options, you can contest the ticket. Here are your options to contest a speeding ticket:
- Request a trial. This allows you to present your case in front of a judge and potentially have the ticket dismissed if you can prove your innocence.
- Hire a lawyer who specializes in traffic violations. They can help you with the legal process and guide the best course of action.
- Attend a defensive driving course. By completing the course, you may be able to have the ticket reduced or dismissed.
Contesting a speeding ticket requires time, effort, and potentially additional expenses. Exploring these options may enable you to successfully challenge the citation and avoid the negative consequences of a speeding ticket.
Importance of Hiring a Traffic Attorney
It is tough to understand and follow the law and the court system. When you hire a traffic lawyer, you know that someone will stand up for your rights.
It’s great to have a traffic lawyer because they can sometimes work out a deal with the police. They know what the law says because they’ve dealt with cases like yours before. They can make your case look as good as possible, which could mean that you pay less or even don’t have to pay at all.
A traffic lawyer can help you build a good defense and gather evidence. They can ask how effective the radar or other tools the police use to check speeds are. It’s also their job to make sure your rights weren’t abused and to check whether the traffic stop was legal.
Having a traffic lawyer represent you in court will save you time and stress. They are used to being in court and can make your case to the judge well. They can talk to witnesses and look at any evidence against you.
Conclusion
If you find yourself facing a speeding ticket in North Carolina, it’s a must to understand the potential fines and penalties involved. When you receive a speeding ticket, your driving record can be affected, which can lead to higher insurance rates. It may be beneficial to hire a traffic attorney to help navigate the legal process. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect your rights and driving privileges.
