SPEEDING

Speeding Violations in NC

Speeding may seem like a minor traffic offense, but under North Carolina law, it can carry serious consequences that affect your driving record, insurance rates, and even your driver’s license. Depending on the circumstances, a speeding ticket can be treated as a simple infraction, a misdemeanor, or even lead to a license suspension.

What Constitutes Speeding in North Carolina

You can be charged with speeding if you:

Exceed the posted speed limit, or
Drive faster than is reasonable and prudent for current conditions, even if below the posted limit.
Certain speeding offenses are treated more seriously under state law. For example:
Driving more than 15 mph over the posted limit and over 55 mph total can result in an automatic license suspension.
Driving over 80 mph is often charged as a misdemeanor, not just a traffic infraction.
Aggressive driving or reckless driving charges may accompany speeding in cases involving dangerous behavior, such as weaving in traffic or tailgating.

Penalties for Speeding

Consequences of a speeding violation may include:

Fines and court costs
Driver’s license points (which can lead to suspension if too many accumulate)
Insurance rate increases
Potential criminal charges for excessive speed or reckless driving

North Carolina’s Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) also assigns insurance points for speeding convictions, which can significantly increase premiums for several years.

For more on the North Carolina’s Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) refer to our latest blog here.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Even a single speeding ticket can have lasting effects on your driving record and insurance costs. An experienced traffic defense attorney can review your case, negotiate with the district attorney, and work to reduce or dismiss the charges — helping you protect your license and your record.

Don’t trust your ticket to a large firm where your case may be passed down to a less experienced attorney. At Poteet Law Firm, your case will be handled personally by Matthew Poteet, an attorney with over 30 years of experience in North Carolina traffic law.