Good drivers get speeding tickets. The cost on the ticket is not what you will pay. If you are found guilty of speeding, you will see huge increases in your car insurances. This article explains how North Carolina points system works and how it affects your insurance cots.
Isn't it easier to just pay a speeding ticket?
Criminal defense attorneys hear this almost daily. If it is easier is up for discussion, but it sure isn't less expensive! A simple speeding ticket will come with points assigned to your North Carolina drivers license. These points raise your car insurance rates. This article provides an overview of the cost of paying your speeding ticket. These cost should be compared to the cost of hiring a good lawyer.
Depending on juridiction, the speeding charge and the experience of the attorney, you may pay $100 to $500 to have a NC attorney defend your speeding ticket. This should be the benchmark for your cost analysis of hiring an attorney.
How are points issued in North Carolina?
There is an entire scale of point for various violations. For speeding, you will be issued three points when you were traveling more than 55mph. This means you be issued 3 points if you are issued a speeding ticket on a North Carolina highway.
Court cost vary from county to county, but you can expected approximately $150 plus fine. If you just pay it, you may think you are out only a few hundred dollars. You will be sorely mistaken. Once your insurance carrier learns of your points, your rates will be adjusted.
North Carolina Insurance Points Rates
The following is an estimate of what you can expect your rate to raise to. It varies on many factors, which is why you should consult an experienced attorney in the county you were charge for more specific information.
Percentage Increase in Rates
1=25%; 2=45%; 3=60%; 4=80%; 5=105%; 6=130%; 7=160%; 8=190%; 9=225%; 10=260%; 11=300%; 12=340%
Let's say you your currently pay $1,000/year and you pay a ticket for driving 12mph over the 55mph speed limit. Doesn't sound so bad, but expect your insurance rates to jump to $1,600/year!
If you get 12 points in a three year period, your license can be suspended. Insurance rate go through the roof after a suspension, if you can get insurance. An attorney will have a greater challenge seeking relief for your third or fourth ticket than your first. An attorney can help keep your record clear.
