Speeding tickets can be costly, not just in terms of fines but also considering the long-term impact on your driving record and insurance premiums. Did you know that according to MarketWatch, just one speeding ticket for driving 21 to 25 mph over the posted limit can cost you an average of $648 more on your car insurance premium?
Approximately 42 million speeding tickets are issued in the United States yearly and with these statistics, it isn’t impossible for you to get one too. Exceeding the speed limit while driving is far too common and we’re here to talk about how much a traffic citation costs so you can prepare yourself financially.
North Carolina Speeding Ticket Fines
When you receive a speeding ticket in North Carolina, you’ll face fines that vary based on the severity of your offense.
For speeds up to 15 mph over the limit, you can expect a fine of around $30 to $50. If you were caught driving at a speed exceeding 15 mph over the limit, the fine can range from $250 to $1000. These fines are just the beginning of the costs you might incur from a speeding ticket.
If you were speeding in a school zone or a work zone, the fines can be significantly higher. Speeding in these areas can lead to fines of up to $250, even for speeds lower than 15 mph over the limit. If you’re caught speeding in a residential area, fines can also be increased.
Personal injury lawyers from Trammell White say distracted driving, speeding, and moving violations are a few of the most common examples of driver negligence responsible for accidents. So even if you think that your traffic ticket is not that big of a deal, if you endanger the lives of others, you can get serious consequences.
Make sure to follow speed limits and drive safely to avoid these costly fines.
Additional Court Costs
There are various court costs that you may be required to pay too, apart from the fines. These costs can include fees for court operations, processing fees, and other administrative expenses. These court costs can significantly increase the total amount you owe.
If you contest the ticket in court, extra charges may apply, such as attorney fees if you choose to hire legal representation. Court costs can vary depending on the county where you received the ticket, so you must inquire about the specific costs associated with your case.
Impact on Insurance Premiums
As mentioned, getting a speeding ticket often leads to an increase in your insurance rates. Insurance companies view speeding violations as a sign of risky behavior, which could lead to accidents in the future. They may raise your premiums to offset the increased risk they now associate with insuring you.
The impact on your insurance premiums can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the speeding violation, your driving history, and the insurance company’s policies.
Regarding minor infractions, like going slightly over the speed limit, the increase may be minimal. The increase in premiums might be large for more serious offenses, such as reckless driving or excessive speeding.
Insurance companies typically review your driving record periodically, so a speeding ticket’s effects on your premiums may persist for some time.
Driver’s License Points System
In North Carolina, points are added to your driving record when you receive a traffic ticket or are convicted of a traffic violation. The number of points assigned to a violation depends on the severity of the offense.
For example, speeding 10 mph over the limit results in 2 points, while reckless driving can lead to 4 points. Your license may be suspended if you accumulate too many points within a certain timeframe.
Monitor your points and driving record regularly to make sure you know your standing. Regarding potential license suspension, accumulating points can also increase insurance premiums.
Total Cost Breakdown
When considering the impact of traffic violations on your driving record in North Carolina, you must understand the total cost breakdown associated with these infractions.
Besides the actual fine for speeding, which varies based on how much you exceeded the speed limit, there are other expenses to consider. Court costs can add around $190 to $230 to your total bill.
If your violation leads to insurance rate hikes, you could have an increase of $300 to $1000 per year for three years. Attending a driving course to reduce points on your license can cost $65 to $110. If your offense resulted in points on your license, you might face a fee of $50 for the points themselves.
Conclusion
If you get caught speeding in North Carolina, it can be expensive. Make sure to obey the speed limits to avoid these costly consequences. Drive safe and save yourself the headache and money in the long run.
