Motor vehicle offenses can range from minor to serious in nature. Penalties for a motor vehicle offense often include points assessed to your driving record and/or insurance. Driver’s license points can result in the suspension or revocation of your license. Points assessed by your insurance carrier can result in increased premiums.

Depending upon what you're convicted of, you may also be subjected to:

  • Steep fines and/or Court costs
  • Mandatory driver's education classes
  • Jail or Probation

North Carolina Motor Vehicle Offenses

Some of the more common moving violations in Wake County include:

Motor vehicle violations may also be classified as non-moving. Such violations usually involve parking, vehicle registration, or vehicle modifications.

Prayer for Judgment Continued

The "prayer for judgment continued" is a device granted in the discretion of the court under which a judgment is never entered in the case, and thus the driver is never convicted of the offense. Under the Safe Driver Incentive Plan, each household is entitled to one PJC every three years for insurance point purposes. The PJC should be saved at all costs so that it can be used in extraordinary circumstances such as those listed below:

  • Stop Sign and Stop Light violations - usually cannot be reduced to non-moving violations
  • Speeding in a School Zone - not subject to the Safe Driver Incentive Plan. It is best to consult a lawyer to determine the best course of action.
  • Speeding in a Work Zone - Unlike other tickets, carries a mandatory fine of $250 by statute. In certain instances, judges may PJC this offense so that the driver can avoid the fine.
  • Accidents involving moving violations - District Attorney offices will sometimes dismiss the underlying moving violation in an accident case upon proof that any outstanding damage claims are being satisfied by the at-fault driver's insurance company.
  • Speeding over 90 MPH - Many district attorneys are no longer willing to plea bargain with any speed over 90 MPF. The resulting convictions carries with it an automatic suspension of license.
  • Speeding in excess of 15 MPH over the limit in a 55 MPH zone or higher - A convictions of this offense results in an automatic license suspension.

Contact Curtis R. High, Attorney at Law

If you have been cited for a motor vehicle offense in Wake County, it is wise to consult with a Raleigh traffic law attorney who can help you explore your options.