Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog
How Does the North Carolina DMV Point System Work?
Driving is considered a privilege in North Carolina and across the country. In order to obtain a driver’s license, you must first pass both written and driving skills tests. Once you have your license, you must obey traffic laws. The police give drivers citations for traffic infractions. The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) manages driver’s licenses and monitors the driving record of those who have licenses in the state.
What is the NCDMV Point System?
The DMV in North Carolina utilizes a point system to keep track of driving records. Whenever a driver is guilty of a traffic violation, points are assessed. When drivers accrue too many points, they will face consequences that may include the suspension or revocation of their driver’s license. A specific number of points is assessed for specific violations.
Most basic violations assess 2 points. Infractions that are considered more dangerous assess 3 or more points. For example, a ticket for speeding (less than 15 mph over the limit) will result in 2 points. Going through a stoplight or stop sign results in 3 points. Reckless driving assesses 4 points. Passing a stopped school bus results in 5 points.
License Suspension and Other Penalties
Drivers are allowed to accumulate fewer than 12 points in a three-year period. If you accumulate 12 points or more during any three-year period, you will face a 60-day license suspension. If you have 7 or more points, you may request to participate in a driver improvement clinic. Successful completion of the clinic will eliminate 3 points from your record. If you have already had a suspension for points, you will face another suspension if you accumulate 8 points in a three-year period. A second suspension will last up to six months. Subsequent suspensions will be up to a year in length.
Reinstatement of Driving Privileges
After the period of suspension is complete, you are able to reinstate your license. You must apply for reinstatement and pay the restoration fees. You can do so by visiting a DMV office. Reinstatement of your license wipes out the points that you had previously accumulated, and your record starts over. It is also important to note that in some situations, you may request a limited driving permit. If granted, you may be allowed to drive on a limited basis, such as to go only to and from work.
How to Check Your Points
It is helpful for drivers to check their current points. This is necessary if you have received another ticket and want to decide how to handle it. If you already have a number of points, adding more points could put you over the limit and may trigger a license suspension. To check your points, you can order a copy of your driving record through the DMV. Note that there is a fee for requesting a copy of your driving record.
Points can accumulate quickly, and it may be in your best interest to fight a traffic ticket in court rather than accept guilt. To learn more about how our experienced attorneys will help you through the legal process, contact us at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to speak with our legal team.
The criminal defense attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC represent individuals facing a wide range of state and federal criminal charges. Our practice includes traffic violations, DWI/DUI offenses, drug crimes, firearm and weapons charges, and gun permit denials.
We also defend clients accused of property crimes, including larceny, breaking and entering, robbery, fraud, embezzlement, and other white-collar offenses. Our attorneys handle cases involving sex-related offenses, such as indecent exposure, sexual assault, crimes against nature, and petitions for removal from the sex offender registry. In addition, we represent individuals charged with violent crimes, including domestic violence offenses, assault, manslaughter, homicide, and murder.
Beyond criminal charges, we assist clients with related legal matters such as restraining orders, probation violations, expungements, criminal appeals, and immigration issues arising from criminal allegations. We believe that informed clients are empowered clients, and we are committed to helping individuals understand their constitutional rights while providing aggressive and effective legal representation at every stage of the process.
Source:
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/license-suspension/Pages/driver-license-restoration.aspx
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/records-reports/Pages/driving-records.aspx
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