Outer Banks Traffic Ticket FAQs

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.

Yes; North Carolina law allows license suspension for certain speeding offenses, including driving over 80 mph or more than 15 mph over the limit at higher speeds.

Under the North Carolina DMV point schedule, most speeding tickets carry 2 or 3 license points, but speeding in a school zone, work zone, or at higher speeds may carry additional penalties under N.C.G.S. § 20-141.1.

N.C.G.S. § 20-140 defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, or at a speed or in a manner likely to endanger.

Yes. Reckless driving is a Class 2 misdemeanor under North Carolina law and is treated as a criminal offense, not just a traffic infraction.

Speeding alone doesn’t automatically qualify as reckless driving, but excessive speed combined with unsafe behavior can result in a reckless charge.

Yes. Reckless driving is not a waivable offense and requires either a personal appearance or representation by a licensed North Carolina attorney.

No. Under N.C.G.S. § 20-154(a), signaling is required only when the lane change may affect another vehicle.

Unsafe movement generally refers to a turn, lane change, or other maneuver that is made without reasonable safety and interferes with other vehicles..

Crossing the centerline without legal justification violates N.C.G.S. § 20-146 and can result in a citation even if there’s no accident.

Running a red light is usually treated as a traffic infraction and can result in license points and increased insurance premiums.

No. As of this writing, red light camera enforcement is not in operation in the Outer Banks counties of Dare or Currituck.

Not always. Many infractions can be resolved without appearing in court if they are listed on the North Carolina waiver schedule, but misdemeanor charges like reckless driving under N.C.G.S. § 20-140 generally require a court appearance or legal representation.

North Carolina often reports traffic convictions to other states under the Driver License Compact and N.C.G.S. § 20-4.24, but any consequences to your license will depend on the laws of your home state.

Don’t ignore it. North Carolina tickets require a legal response, and missing your court date can result in license revocation or even a warrant.

A waivable offense is a non-criminal traffic infraction that can be resolved by paying court costs and fines without going to court.

Yes. Certain charges, such as reckless driving, high-speed traffic tickets, and driving while license revoked, are misdemeanors and may result in arrest.

Traffic cases in the Outer Banks are heard in, including but not limited to, Dare County District Court (Manteo) or Currituck County District Court, depending on where the citation was issued.