In North Carolina, speeding violations are divided into three categories based on how much over the limit you were driving: 1–10 mph, 11–15 mph, and 16 mph or more. Depending on which tier your violation falls into, you could receive 1–5 points on your driving record.
Your ticket cost may go up if you do something like inattentive driving or not pay full attention to the road while driving. Interestingly, getting a speeding ticket here in North Carolina isn’t uncommon; in 2019, roughly 25% of all licensed drivers in North Carolina got one—some are repeat offenders, bringing in over $83 million in revenue for the state.
Apart from the fines, you could end up paying anywhere from a hundred to a thousand dollars because of extra fees and court costs that can add up to the total cost. In this article, we’ll break down the fines for each speed range and how they can affect your driving record and insurance rates.
Overview of Speeding Fines in NC
According to Hickory motorcycle accident lawyer Lyndon Helton, speeding fines in North Carolina are calculated based on the speed at which you were caught exceeding the limit, but there will be additional court costs and fees. For example, you’ll be fined if you’re caught going over the limit, and the fine range below includes court costs and fees:
- 1–5 mph over the limit: $10 to $50
- 6–10 mph over the limit: $15 and $100
- 11–15 mph over the limit: $25 to $200.
- 16–20 mph over the limit: $100 to $300
- 21–25 mph over the limit: $150 to $400.
- 26 mph or more over the limit: $250 to $1,000.
Again, the fines are just the beginning; additional court costs and fees may apply, increasing the total amount due. To know the exact fine you have for your speeding violation, it’s advisable to refer to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s official website or consult with a legal professional.
Factors Affecting Ticket Costs
The speed at which you were caught driving was above the limit. The higher the speed over the limit, the more expensive the ticket is likely to be. Apart from speed over the speed limit, there’s still some factors that influence the final amount you’ll need to pay.
If you were speeding in a school zone or work zone, the fines could increase a lot because of the higher risk posed to pedestrians and workers in these areas. There’s also the ticket cost if you have any previous traffic violations on your record. Prior infractions can mean higher fines, as they may indicate a pattern of reckless driving behavior.
Attending a driving school or completing a defensive driving course can sometimes help reduce the fine associated with the ticket.
Additional Fees and Court Costs
There are additional fees and court costs that may apply to your case, increasing the total amount you need to pay. Court costs in North Carolina can range from $190 to $230, depending on the county where you received the ticket. You may also incur fees for various administrative processes related to your case, such as a fee for requesting a Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC), which typically ranges from $7 to $20.
If you decide to contest the ticket and go to court, you might also need to consider expenses such as attorney fees if you choose to hire legal representation. These additional fees and court costs have to be factored in when calculating the total financial impact of a speeding ticket in North Carolina.
Impact on Insurance Rates
Insurance companies often view traffic violations, including speeding tickets, as red flags that indicate a higher risk of accidents. As a result, receiving a speeding ticket could increase your insurance premiums.
The extent of the impact on your insurance rates will depend on the severity of the speeding violation, your driving history, and the policies of your insurance provider. In general, the more serious the speeding offense, the greater the increase in your insurance costs.
But some steps can mitigate any potential consequences, like attending a defensive driving course to demonstrate your commitment to safe driving or discussing the situation with your insurance provider to look for any available options to minimize the rate hike.
Conclusion
Be prepared to pay up if you get caught speeding in North Carolina. While the fine amount is based on how fast you were going, the additional fees and court costs can add to the total. And don’t forget about the impact on your insurance rates. It’s best to obey the speed limits to avoid getting a ticket and its financial consequences.
