North Carolina's Traffic Violation Point System

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 This Article

• How Does North Carolina's Traffic Violation Point System Work?
• How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record in North Carolina?
• License Suspension and Consequences of Accumulating Too Many Points
• Appealing a Point Suspension
• Getting a Restricted License Following a Point Suspension
• Point Values for Specific Traffic Violations

How Does North Carolina's Traffic Violation Point System Work?

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.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record in North Carolina?

Generally, traffic violation points stay on your record for three years in North Carolina.

License Suspension and Consequences of Accumulating Too Many Points

The possible penalties for acquiring too many points depend on the number of points and how many prior suspensions the driver has.

• Seven points in three years. the DMV will issue a warning letter and allow the driver to complete a driver improvement clinic. The clinic costs $65 but will erase three demerit points.
• 12 points in three years. The DMV will suspend the driver's license for up to 60 days.

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.

• Four points in the three years following reinstatement. The DMV will issue a warning letter and allow the driver to complete a driver improvement clinic, which will cost $65 and erase three demerit points.
• Eight points in three years following reinstatement. The DMV will suspend the driver's license for up to six months.

A third suspension violation will result in a maximum one-year suspension.

Appealing a Point 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.

Getting a Restricted License Following a Point Suspension

Suspended drivers are permitted to petition the district court for a restricted license. If granted, this license can be used to travel only to and from work or school and only during limited hours.

Point Values for Specific Traffic Violations

The number of points a driver will receive for a traffic ticket depends on the particular law the driver violated.

Violation	Points assessed
Passing stopped bus	5
Aggressive driving	5
Reckless driving	4
Leaving the scene of accident involving property damage	4
Following too closely	4
Driving on the wrong side of the road	4
Illegal passing	4
Failure to yield to a pedestrian or cyclist	4
Stop sign, red light, or yield sign violation	3
Speeding over 55 miles per hour	3
Driving without a license	3
Failure to stop for siren	3
No insurance	3
Failure to report accident	3
Speeding in school zone	3
Child restraint violation	2
Unlisted violation	2
Littering	1

Violations occurring in a commercial vehicle often carry two to four additional points.