How Driver Points Work in North Carolina
How the North Carolina point system works, points for speeding, how long points last, and whether traffic school helps.
Short answer: North Carolina uses a driver license point system (separate from insurance points). The DMV may suspend a license when a driver accumulates 12 or more points within three years, or 8 or more points in the three years after a license is reinstated following a suspension or revocation for… N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-16(a)(5), (c)
| Point system | North Carolina uses a driver license point system (separate from insurance points). The DMV may suspend a license when a driver accumulates 12 or more points within three years, or 8 or more points in the three years after a license is reinstated following a suspension or revocation for traffic offenses. A first points suspension is up to 60 days, a second up to six months, and later suspensions up to one year; the DMV may substitute up to one year of probation. At 7 points, the DMV may call the driver to a conference. |
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| Points for speeding | Speeding in excess of 55 mph is 3 points; speeding in a school zone over the posted school-zone limit is 3 points; other moving violations (including speeding at lower speeds) are 2 points. Commercial vehicle drivers receive higher values (4 points for speeding over 55 mph). Separately, the license may be suspended for speeding over 75 mph where the limit is under 70 mph, over 80 mph where the limit is 70 mph, or two speeding convictions over 55 mph (up to 80) within 12 months. |
| How long points last | Points are assigned as of the date of the offense, and suspension is based on points accumulated within a three-year period. When a license is restored after a suspension or revocation for a traffic offense, previously accumulated points are cancelled. |
| Traffic school | A driver with 7 or more points (or 4 points within three years after reinstatement) may be offered a DMV driver improvement clinic; completing it deducts three points, only once in any five-year period. Court deferral or reduction programs (such as driving school in exchange for a reduced charge) vary by district and are handled with the prosecutor. |
Where to get help in North Carolina
More North Carolina traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in North Carolina
- DUI Laws in North Carolina
- Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in North Carolina
- All North Carolina traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
How does the driver point system work in North Carolina?
North Carolina uses a driver license point system (separate from insurance points). The DMV may suspend a license when a driver accumulates 12 or more points within three years, or 8 or more points in the three years after a license is reinstated following a suspension or revocation for traffic offenses. A first points suspension is up to 60 days, a second up to six months, and later suspensions up to one year; the DMV may substitute up to one year of probation. At 7 points, the DMV may call the driver to a conference.
How many points is a speeding ticket in North Carolina?
Speeding in excess of 55 mph is 3 points; speeding in a school zone over the posted school-zone limit is 3 points; other moving violations (including speeding at lower speeds) are 2 points. Commercial vehicle drivers receive higher values (4 points for speeding over 55 mph). Separately, the license may be suspended for speeding over 75 mph where the limit is under 70 mph, over 80 mph where the limit is 70 mph, or two speeding convictions over 55 mph (up to 80) within 12 months.
How long do points stay on your license in North Carolina?
Points are assigned as of the date of the offense, and suspension is based on points accumulated within a three-year period. When a license is restored after a suspension or revocation for a traffic offense, previously accumulated points are cancelled.
Can traffic school remove a ticket or points in North Carolina?
A driver with 7 or more points (or 4 points within three years after reinstatement) may be offered a DMV driver improvement clinic; completing it deducts three points, only once in any five-year period. Court deferral or reduction programs (such as driving school in exchange for a reduced charge) vary by district and are handled with the prosecutor.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.