How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Your Record in North Carolina?

Some may believe that traffic violations are only minor inconveniences. However, they can have long-lasting consequences. For instance, a ticket will remain on your driving record, impacting the number of points against your license, your insurance rates, and the potential consequences of future traffic violations. If you have recently received a traffic violation, you are likely wondering how long traffic violations stay on your record in North Carolina.

Types of Traffic Violations

Understanding the consequences a traffic violation can have on your record begins with determining the severity of the offense for which you are accused.  Some driving offenses are considered less severe because they can be dismissed with an online request if the issue can be fixed. These offenses include:

• Driving without vehicle registration
• Driving without a valid license
• Driving without insurance

Other offenses are more serious and cannot be as easily dismissed. These infractions are likely to result in fines and points added to your driving record. Examples include:

• Driving through a red light
• Failure to yield
• Improper passing
• Violating seat belt or child restraint laws
• Following too closely
• Making an illegal U-turn

In addition to fines and a longer impact on your driving record, the most serious of traffic violations can result in criminal penalties such as a jail or prison sentence.

• Speeding
• Driving on a suspended or revoked license
• Reckless driving
• Hit and run
• Passing a stopped school bus

Impact of Your Driving Record

The total amount of time a traffic violation will stay on your driving record depends on the type and severity of the infraction. Typically, most traffic infractions will stay on your driving record for three years. More severe violations, like reckless driving or a hit and run, can remain on your record for more than three years.

Each traffic violation will add points to your driver’s license. The number of points added to your record will depend on the type and severity of the offense. If you reach 12 points on your driver’s license within a three-year period, then your driver’s license can be suspended.

Any accumulation of 12 or more points can result in a license suspension. This could be several less-serious events over the full three-year period or one serious event; each of these scenarios can result in a suspension. The duration of the suspension will depend on the number of suspensions on your driving record:

• First suspension. 60 days
• Second suspension. Six months
• Third or subsequent suspension. One year

Ultimately, this is why the duration of time a traffic violation remains on your driving record is important. Once the violation falls off your record, it will not be used in the determination of a license suspension.

Working With a Traffic Violation Lawyer

In 2024 alone, there were over 670,000 traffic stops that resulted in citations. Every single stop will be unique, and fighting the citations you were given can be complex. Strictly speaking, it is not a requirement to work with a Monroe traffic violation lawyer if you receive a traffic ticket. However, there are several benefits to retaining a skilled lawyer to help you through this process. An attorney can help you by:

• Explaining your options. Simply pleading guilty and paying a traffic violation fee could have significant repercussions. Fortunately, there are many routes to dealing with the ticket. An attorney can explain your options and the potential outcomes for your situation.
• Collecting evidence. If you plan to seek a dismissal for your traffic ticket, an attorney can help you gather relevant evidence. With thorough knowledge of the local court system, they may have insight into evidence the court is likely to find especially compelling.
• Speaking in court. Traffic court processes can be confusing. An experienced lawyer can take over in court and ensure proper procedures are followed. They can present any evidence clearly and concisely, as well as respond to any inquiries from the prosecution or judge.
• Negotiating a plea. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for a plea deal. Dismissal is not an option in many traffic violations, but another favorable option is getting the violation reduced. Depending on the options for reduction, it could mean fewer points on your driving record for a shorter duration of time.
• Saving your time. Navigating this process can be difficult. Successfully reaching a positive outcome could take hours of research and time in court. An attorney who has experience handling cases like yours can take over your case, allowing you to focus on other areas of your life.

FAQs

Q: What Types of Violations Can Go on Your Driving Record?

A: There are several types of violations that can go on your driving record. Moving violations like reckless driving and speeding are the most commonly known, but they are far from the only types that can impact your driving record. Non-moving violations, license-related violations, failure to appear violations, and accidents can also become a part of your driving record. More than 50% of traffic stops result in citations, so understanding the potential consequences to your driving record is important.

Q: Can I Clear My Driving Record in North Carolina?

A: There are some instances where you can clear points from your driving record in North Carolina. The most effective way is to negotiate a plea with the prosecution for a lesser charge before the charge gets added to your driving record. Additionally, you may be able to remove some points following a conviction if you complete a defensive driving course. Depending on the number of points on your record, you can take a class once every five years.

Q: How Long Will a Traffic Violation Stay on My Driving Record?

A: The total amount of time a traffic violation will stay on your driving record depends on the type and severity of the violation for which you were convicted. Typical traffic violations like failing to stop at a traffic light or failure to yield can stay on your record for three years. More serious offenses like reckless driving can stay on your record for five years.

Q: What Are the Potential Consequences of a Traffic Ticket?

A: There are several potential consequences of a traffic ticket. The severity of the consequences will depend on the type and severity.  Potential consequences include accumulation of points on your driving record, increased car insurance premiums, risk of license suspension, and legal fees. It is advised that you speak with a traffic violation attorney to see if there are potential ways to mitigate the consequences of your ticket before pleading guilty by paying the fine.

Protecting Your Driving Record

North Carolina is known for its appealing and diverse scenic drives, including the Cherohala Skyway, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Outer Banks Scenic Byway. Unfortunately, a traffic ticket can ruin any road trip, whether it’s for business or leisure.

The attorneys at Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick understand the short and long-term impacts a traffic violation can have on your driving record. Reach out to our knowledgeable team today to see how we can help you reduce the impact and resolve the case.