NC Points

NC Points – Driver’s License and Insurance Points

In North Carolina, convictions of traffic offenses can result in two different sets of points: DMV points (points on your driver’s license) and insurance points (points that cause your insurance rates to increase). Except for under certain circumstances, a person is typically assessed both insurance and DMV points for moving violations (such as speeding, running a red light, following to closely).

How do insurance points affect my insurance rates?

• 1 point: 30% increase
• 2 points: 45% increase
• 3 points: 60% increase
• 4 points: 80% increase
• 8 points: 195% increase
• 10 points: 260% increase
• 12 points: 340% increase

How do DMV points affect my NC driver’s license?

• Your NC driver’s license will be suspended if:
  • You accumulate 12 points or more in 3 years OR
  • You accumulate 8 points or more in the 3 years following a license suspension
• Suspension length is dependent upon the number of suspensions you’ve had.
  • Generally, the length of suspension is as follows:
    • First suspension: 60 days maximum
    • Second suspension: 6 months maximum
    • Any subsequent suspensions: 1 year

NC DMV and Insurance Points (including, but not limited to):

• Littering while driving: 1 DMV point; 1 insurance point
• Speeding (10 mph or less over limit when speed limit is less than 55): 2 DMV points; 1 insurance point
• Speeding (10 mph or less over limit when speed limit is greater than 55): 2 DMV points; 2 insurance points
• Speeding in a school zone: 3 DMV points, generally; insurance points depend on speed
• Speeding over 55 mph: 3 DMV points; insurance points depend on speed
• Speeding (80 mph or higher when limit is 70 mph or higher): 3 DMV points; 4 insurance points
• Speeding (75 mph or higher when limit is less than 70 mph): 3 DMV points; 4 insurance points
• At fault accident (property damage > $1,800, but < $3,000): 3 DMV points; 2 insurance points
• Failing to report an accident (where required): 3 DMV points
• Lack of liability car insurance: 3 DMV points
• Failing to stop for siren: 3 points; 1 insurance point
• Running a:

• • Red light: 3 DMV points; 1 insurance point
  • Stop sign: 3 points; 1 insurance point

• Failing to yield right-of-way to another vehicle: 3 DMV points; 1 insurance point
• Failing to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian: 4 DMV points; 1 insurance point
• Driving on the wrong side of the road: 4 DMV points; 2 insurance points
• Following too closely behind another car: 4 DMV points; 2 insurance points
• Hit and run with property damage: 4 DMV points; 4 insurance
• Reckless driving: 4 DMV points; 4 insurance points
• Aggressive driving: 5 points; 8 insurance points
• Passing a stopped school bus: 5 points; 4 insurance points
• Driving while revoked or suspended: licensed suspended; 8 insurance points
• Speeding to elude arrest: license revoked, 10 insurance points
• Highway racing: license revoked; 10 insurance points
• DWI: license revoked; 12 insurance points
• Manslaughter/negligent homicide: license revoked; 12 insurance points
• Prearranged racing: License revoked; 12 insurance points

Contact a North Carolina traffic attorney if you have questions about how a traffic conviction will affect your NC driver’s license or insurance.