North Carolina Speeding Ticket Costs
State Citation Reference & Guidelines|Verified: 2026-06-30
Quick Reference Summary
North Carolina Citation Profile
How to Handle Your North Carolina Speeding Ticket
Estimate your total expenses (including the estimated 28% insurance premium increase over 3 years) using our interactive fine estimator. Respond to the ticket within 40 days to avoid a $50 late fee or suspension.
Fines by Speed Exceeded
Ticket fine amounts in North Carolina scale incrementally based on how fast you were driving above the posted speed limit.
Speeding Ticket Cost Breakdown by MPH Over
Select common speeding increments to view exact point assessments, typical insurance cost impacts, and criminal misdemeanor thresholds in North Carolina.
| Speed Exceeded | Est. Fine Amount | Points Assessed | Est. 3-Year Insurance Increase | Misdemeanor? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| +5 MPH Over | $190 | 2 Points | +$1512 | No |
| +10 MPH Over | $210 | 3 Points | +$1512 | No |
| +15 MPH Over | $210 | 3 Points | +$1512 | No |
| +20 MPH Over | $250 | 3 Points | +$1512 | No |
| +25 MPH Over | $250 | 3 Points | +$1512 | No |
| +30 MPH Over | $250 | 3 Points | +$1512 | No |
§ Criminal & Misdemeanor Risk
Speeding over 80 mph or speeding 15+ mph over the limit when the limit is 55+ mph is a Class 3 misdemeanor carrying up to 20 days in jail and automatic license suspension.
§ License Points & Record Duration
Accumulating 12 points within 3 years triggers a license suspension review. A subsequent suspension triggers at 8 points.
§ Traffic School Eligibility
A defensive driving course (95-mile/8-hour course) may be accepted by the district attorney to reduce the charge or points. Eligible once every 3 years.
§ Deadlines & Late Fees
You must respond or pay within 40 days of citation issuance. Failure to pay within 40 days triggers an automatic driver's license suspension and addition of late processing fee.
§ Out-of-State Drivers & Compact Rules
North Carolina reports citations via the Driver License Compact (DLC).
As a participating member of the DLC, North Carolina will automatically report speeding and other moving violations back to your home state's licensing department (DMV/BMV). The violation points and records will be applied to your home state license according to your state's local conversion rules.
County Court Payment Portals
Select your local county court below to check ticket records or pay fines online directly through government portals:
Other State Speeding Fine Guides
Select another verified state guide below for fine rates and license point limits:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a speeding ticket in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, speeding tickets typically cost between $190 and $250 depending on your speed. In North Carolina, speeding fines are low ($10-$50), but court costs ($188-$191) are added to all moving violations.
How many points is a traffic ticket in North Carolina?
Speeding violations in North Carolina assess between 2 and 3 points on your license record. Accumulating 12 points within 3 years triggers a license suspension review. A subsequent suspension triggers at 8 points.
Is speeding a misdemeanor in North Carolina?
Speeding over 80 mph or speeding 15+ mph over the limit when the limit is 55+ mph is a Class 3 misdemeanor carrying up to 20 days in jail and automatic license suspension. Driving at speeds over 80 mph can lead to reckless driving or excessive speed charges, which are criminal misdemeanors.
Does a speeding ticket affect your insurance in North Carolina?
Yes. Speeding tickets in North Carolina typically increase auto insurance premiums by an average of 28%. This increase is calculated on your premium for up to 3 years.
Will a speeding ticket affect my out-of-state license?
Yes. North Carolina is a member of the Driver License Compact (DLC) and reports all moving violations to your home state DMV. Your home state DMV will apply local points and record guidelines.
Verified Reference Statutes
- Cited directly from: North Carolina General Statutes Section 20-141 (State legislative or department of motor vehicles domain)