North Carolina · Handbook chapter 4 · 4 min read
Chapter 4: Points, suspensions and restoration
How North Carolina's driver license point system works, the point values for common violations, suspensions for speeding and serious offenses, failure to appear or pay, and how to restore a license.
Why this chapter matters
A North Carolina license is a privilege the DMV can take away. Points build up on your record with each conviction, and some offenses cost your license straight away. Knowing the numbers helps on the test and helps you keep your license.
The point system
- At 7 points you may be sent to a driver improvement clinic ($83.50). Finishing it takes 3 points off your record.
- At 12 points within three years, your license may be suspended.
- After reinstatement, 8 points within three years can bring a second suspension.
| Point suspension | Length |
|---|---|
| First | 60 days |
| Second | 6 months |
| Third | 12 months |
When your license is reinstated, your driver license points are cleared. Insurance points are a separate system run by insurers.
Point values (non-commercial driving)
| Conviction | Points |
|---|---|
| Passing a stopped school bus | 5 |
| Aggressive driving | 5 |
| Reckless driving, following too closely, driving on the wrong side, illegal passing | 4 |
| Hit and run (property damage only) | 4 |
| Failing to yield to a pedestrian (as set out in the statute), bicycle, motor scooter or motorcycle | 4 |
| Running a STOP sign or red light, failing to yield, speeding over 55 mph | 3 |
| No liability insurance, failure to stop for a siren | 3 |
| Speeding in a school zone over the posted school zone limit | 3 |
| Failing to restrain a child properly | 2 |
| All other moving violations | 2 |
| Littering from a vehicle | 1 |
Illegal parking, improper plates or registration and a missing inspection certificate carry no points. Commercial vehicle violations carry higher points.
Losing your license for speed
- At least 30 days: driving more than 15 mph over the limit when going faster than 55 mph.
- 60 days: a repeat of that offense within a year; speeding and reckless driving at the same time; two speeding convictions above 55 mph within 12 months; or willful racing.
Serious offenses
| Offense | Suspension |
|---|---|
| Manslaughter or death by vehicle | 1 year |
| Manslaughter while impaired | Permanent |
| Failing to stop and give aid after a crash | 1 year |
| Willful refusal of a breath or blood test | 1 year |
| Two reckless driving charges within 12 months | 1 year |
| Prearranged racing, or betting on or lending a car for it | 3 years |
| Failing to yield causing serious bodily injury | 90 days and $500 |
You may ask for a hearing, and you can appeal to the Superior Court of your county within 30 days. Convictions in other states count just as if they happened in North Carolina.
Failure to appear or pay
If you miss a court date or do not pay a fine, your license is revoked from a set date until the court tells the DMV the matter is settled. You can ask the court to reduce or waive what you owe, or pay it in full, to stop the suspension.
Restoring your license
- Restoration fee: $83.50, or $167.25 after a DWI revocation.
- A $50 service fee also applies unless you surrendered the license before the suspension started.
- Visit a driver license office, prove your identity, pay the fees, reapply, take any required tests and show proof of insurance if asked.
Frequently asked questions
How many points lead to a suspension?
12 points within three years. At 7 points you may be sent to a driver improvement clinic.
How many points for passing a stopped school bus?
Five points, the highest value for a non-commercial driver.
What does the driver improvement clinic do for my record?
Completing it removes 3 points from your driving record.
Can an out-of-state ticket affect my North Carolina license?
Yes. Out-of-state convictions are treated as if they happened in North Carolina.
What is the fee to restore a license?
$83.50 in most cases and $167.25 after a DWI, plus a $50 service fee unless you surrendered the license in time.
Based on the North Carolina Driver Handbook (NCDMV), Chapter 3.