If you’ve received a traffic violation in North Carolina, you may be wondering how long points will remain on your license. Points on your driving record can affect your insurance premiums and even lead to license suspension if they add up. Here’s what you need to know about the point system in North Carolina and how long those points will stay on your record.
Understanding the NC Driver Point System
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV) uses a point system to track traffic violations. Each type of violation adds a specific number of points to your driving record. For example:
- Speeding over 55 mph: 3 points
- Reckless driving: 4 points
- Passing a stopped school bus: 5 points
If you accumulate 12 points within a three-year period, your driver’s license may be suspended. Reducing or removing points can help prevent these consequences.
How Long Do Points Stay Active?
In North Carolina, points remain active on your driving record for three years from the date of the violation. After this period, they no longer affect your record. However, the violation itself may still appear on your driving history and could be considered by insurance companies when calculating your premiums.
How Can You Reduce Points on Your License?
If you want to reduce the points on your driving record before they expire, here are some steps you can take:
- Complete a Driver Improvement Course
Taking a DMV-approved driver improvement course is one of the most effective ways to reduce points. Completing the course can remove up to three points from your record, helping you maintain your driving privileges and potentially lower your insurance premiums. Check with the NC DMV or the court to confirm eligibility. - Practice Safe Driving
Avoid further traffic violations by driving responsibly and following all traffic laws. Accumulating additional points could lead to a license suspension or higher insurance rates. - Monitor Your Driving Record
Regularly check your driving record through the NC DMV to track active points and ensure accuracy. Knowing when points are set to expire can help you plan accordingly.
Why Take a Driver Improvement Course?
Driver improvement courses not only reduce points but also teach valuable defensive driving techniques, refresh your knowledge of traffic laws, and help you become a safer driver. At A-1 Defensive Driving School, we offer DMV and AAA-approved courses at convenient locations in Wilmington and Nags Head, NC. Our Saturday classes make it easy to fit a course into your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I remove all points from my record?
No, points can only be reduced by a maximum of three through a driver improvement course, and the rest will expire after three years. - How many points can lead to license suspension?
Accumulating 12 points within three years can result in license suspension. - Will points automatically expire after three years?
Yes, points will no longer affect your record after three years, but the violation may still be visible.
Take Action to Protect Your Driving Record
If you’ve accumulated points on your driving record in North Carolina, don’t wait for them to add up. Enroll in a driver improvement course with A-1 Defensive Driving School to reduce points and gain valuable driving knowledge.
Visit our Schedule Page to register for a class in Wilmington or Nags Head today. Taking control of your driving record is easier than you think!