How Many Points Will Get the License Suspended in North Carolina?

By Josh E. Lopez

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Criminal Defense

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Last Modified on Jul 02, 2026

Everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes these missteps can result in a permanent mark on your driving record. While this may not seem like a big deal at first, enough points can leave you with a suspended license. If you have frequent moving violations, you may be wondering how many points will get your license suspended in North Carolina. With the help of a traffic ticket lawyer, you can get the answers you need.

How Many Points Will Get Your License Suspended in North Carolina?

If you are trying to figure out how many points it takes to get your license suspended in North Carolina, a traffic ticket lawyer can help. Not only will they be able to assist you with building and presenting your case, but they can also explain the ins and outs of driving law in North Carolina.

Almost 11 million people have faced license suspension in the United States, making it a fairly common occurrence. This does not, however, make it any less inconvenient or overwhelming. Roughly 86% of United States residents drive to work, which means that having your license suspended can have significant and detrimental consequences in your personal life as well as your professional life.

Your license can be suspended if you have 12 or more points on your driving record over three years, but it can also be suspended based on the severity of your traffic violation(s). Per N.C.G.S. § 20-16, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend a person’s license for any of the following reasons:

• If you are caught speeding greater than 55 mph and receive two convictions within a one-year period
• If you are caught and convicted of speeding over 55 mph and receive a conviction for reckless driving within one year
• If you have previously been convicted of racing another vehicle, whether it was prearranged or impulsive
• If you have been convicted of speeding at an excess of 15 mph over the posted speed, and you were travelling faster than 55 mph
• If you are convicted of driving more than 75 mph in a zone with a speed limit of 70 mph or less
• If you are travelling greater than 80 mph, but the posted speed is 70 mph or less

Aggressive and Reckless Driving in North Carolina

In North Carolina, you could receive five points if your driving is considered aggressive. Under N.C.G.S. § 20-141.6, a person is considered to be driving aggressively if they are operating a motor vehicle and the driver commits any of the following infractions:

• Illegally passing another driver.
• Tailing the car in front of you
• Failing to yield the right of way in accordance with traffic law
• Running through a red light or blowing through a stop sign

A person of aggressive driving could be found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

While it is the lesser offense, you can be additionally convicted of reckless driving, which can result in 4 driver’s license points. Reckless driving is almost always the most charged of motor vehicle offenses. According to N.C.G.S. §§ 20-140, there are three types of reckless driving, including, but not limited to:

• Driving without due caution and circumspection, potentially endangering yourself and other drivers with the speed you are driving, as well as the manner of your driving overall
• Heedlessly and/or carelessly driving in a dangerous way, disregarding the rights and safety of other drivers or pedestrians.
• Improperly operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Convictions of reckless driving can result in a Class 2 misdemeanor on your permanent driving record in North Carolina.

Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer

While a speeding ticket or parking violation may not seem worth the time and money it takes to hire a traffic ticket lawyer, you may end up facing the much pricier and time-consuming consequences of license suspension. Having a suspended license can prevent your ability to go to work, get groceries, and enjoy the driving freedoms you previously had.

When you hire a traffic ticket lawyer, you can get access to clarity and the resources you need to accomplish your desired outcomes. You have the right to legal representation, so you may as well utilize it to shore up your case.

FAQs

How Many Points Does It Take to Get Your License Suspended in North Carolina?

The number of points it takes to have your license suspended in North Carolina is 12 or more points over the course of three years. These points can be acquired in a variety of ways, which is why it is wise to avoid letting them build up by ignoring them over time. Traffic infraction points will vary depending on the circumstances of the violation.

How Long Will It Take to Get Points Off My License in North Carolina?

The amount of time you will need to get points off your license in North Carolina will vary depending on a variety of circumstances. Court schedules and complexity levels can influence the duration of your case, but when you hire a traffic ticket lawyer to represent you, you may be able to avoid unwanted setbacks.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer in North Carolina?

The cost of hiring a traffic ticket lawyer in North Carolina will depend on the circumstances of your case. Each driving violation case is unique, and the price of hiring a traffic ticket lawyer tends to reflect this. The amount of time your case needs to resolve, the level of complexity it presents, and the person you choose to represent your interests are all contributing factors that can impact your final cost.

Is Hiring a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Worthwhile?

Hiring a traffic ticket lawyer can prove beneficial in many ways. When you enlist the help of a traffic ticket lawyer, you can strengthen your case, using the resources and wisdom of your lawyer to build and deliver a compelling criminal defense. Many individuals have found that this can prove to be exactly what a case needed to accomplish desired outcomes.

Get More Information Today

The Shotwell Law Group PLLC believes in attacking cases head-on, working hard, and implementing over thirty years of shared experience to aid you in your pursuit of driving freedoms. We understand the ins and outs of North Carolina’s driving laws, and we are prepared to help you build a case you can feel confident about. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.