Greenville, North Carolina Traffic Lawyer

Traffic Violation FAQs

Greenville traffic attorney Timothy E. Burch gets asked a lot of questions regarding traffic violations, offenses and penalties. We are happy to answer your questions if you contact our offices, but we have also included some frequently asked questions and answers for your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are insurance points? In North Carolina, car insurance companies assign points to drivers who commit certain traffic violations. Different traffic violations have different point values and will result in an increase in your insurance premium.

Can my insurance rate actually rise if I receive a traffic violation? Yes. Your insurance may rise anywhere from 25% to 400%, depending upon the number of points. Just one point on your insurance will result in a 25% increase, two points a 45% increase, and so on. These points remain on your record for three policy years and could mean additional hundreds or thousands of dollars in expenses.

I was pulled over for reckless driving. Will I go to jail? This will depend upon whether you are convicted. If so, you will face jail time of up to 60 days, along with license suspension and a fine of up to $1,000. By working with a skilled traffic attorney, however, you have the chance to contest these charges and avoid jail time.

How many points do I have to accumulate on my driver’s license before it is suspended? If 12 points accumulate on your license within a 3 year period, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend your license.

How long will my license suspension last? If your driver’s license is suspended by the DMV because of accumulated points, it will be suspended for 60 days for your first offense, 6 months for your second offense, and 12 months for your third offense.

Do I have to go to court for a traffic violation? That will depend upon the severity of the traffic violation. Sometimes, your traffic lawyer may be able to appear in traffic court in your stead, but this is not always possible. It is best to consult your lawyer regarding this.

Contact Greenville traffic lawyer Timothy E. Burch today!