OBX Traffic Ticket FAQs: Speeding, Reckless Driving, and More

A speeding ticket in North Carolina can result in license points, insurance penalties, and in some cases, a suspension if the speed exceeds statutory thresholds.

Failure to maintain lane control generally refers to drifting or crossing lane markings in a way that creates a risk to other drivers.

Yes. Driving left of center violates North Carolina traffic law and can be the basis for a traffic ticket related to an accident involving head-on collisions, sideswipes, or improper passing.

Reckless driving is a Class 2 misdemeanor under North Carolina law and is treated as a criminal offense, even if no accident occurred.

No. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor that requires proof of dangerous or willful disregard for safety, not just driving over the speed limit.

No. North Carolina does not have an aggressive driving statute, but carelessly driving in a fashion that is likely to cause injury or damage to persons or property may lead to a criminal charge of reckless driving.

No. Under N.C.G.S. § 20-154(a), you are required to signal before changing lanes only if the movement may affect another vehicle.

Reckless driving is a Class 2 misdemeanor under N.C.G.S. § 20-140, and a conviction results in a criminal record, license points, and potential jail time depending on prior history.

Possibly. Speeding tickets may be reduced or dismissed depending on your driving record, the facts of the case, and local court and District Attorney protocols, but dismissal is never automatic.

Under N.C.G.S. § 20-16, your license may be suspended if you are convicted of speeding over 80 mph or more than 15 mph over the limit at speeds greater than 55 mph. Revocations for speeding tickets in North Carolina are not limited to those two examples. Consult legal counsel about the specifics of your legal matter.

Yes. North Carolina applies driver license points under N.C.G.S. § 20-16(c) and insurance points under the North Carolina Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP), which are calculated separately.

Yes. While some traffic tickets are infractions, a combination of violations or particularly dangerous conduct can result in a misdemeanor, such as reckless driving under § 20-140.

Failure to reduce speed may result in a traffic ticket that is a “waivable” infraction, could result in DMV points, and possibly be used as evidence of fault in a civil case. Other traffic citations for things like failure to maintain lane control, unsafe movement, and reckless driving may be appropriate given the unique facts and circumstances of the accident.

Yes. Following too closely is a violation of N.C.G.S. § 20-152(a) and is a moving violation that can add license points and raise insurance premiums.

Yes. Driving while license revoked (DWLR) is a Class 3 misdemeanor under N.C.G.S. § 20-28(a) and may result in further license suspension and court-imposed penalties. That differs from Driving license revoked impaired revocation, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor in North Carolina and carries a maximum possible punishment of 120 days in jail.

Yes. Failing to stop at a stop sign is a moving violation under N.C.G.S. § 20-158(b)(1) and carries 3 DMV points if convicted.

Sometimes. Certain traffic tickets and infractions can be resolved online through the NC Courts “pay or request” system, but court appearances are often still required for misdemeanors. Paying a ticket without first consulting legal counsel to determine the consequences to your driving record and insurance premiums is not advisable. Online resolution may be fast, but it isn’t always in your best interests.