A traffic ticket in North Carolina (assuming you don’t fight the ticket and win) typically leads to fines and the Division of Motor Vehicles assessing points to your driving record. However, eligible motorists can get a three-point credit by completing a driver improvement clinic.
Below, we provide the fines, points, and other penalties for some of the more common traffic violations in North Carolina. However, the specific penalties you’ll face for a citation might vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Also, the fine amounts are only a part of what a ticket will actually cost you.
What Are the Fines, Points, & Jail Time for Speeding Tickets in North Carolina?
Penalties for speeding tickets depend on the type of violation, the driver's speed, and where the violation occurred.
North Carolina Has Two Types of Speed Limits
North Carolina has two types of speed limits: absolute and basic. The basic limit requires motorists to always drive at a reasonable and prudent speed given the existing conditions. An absolute limit is just what it sounds like—the maximum speed a motorist can lawfully drive. (N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 20-141 (2025).)
Penalties for Speeding Violations in North Carolina
Basic:
- Classification: Infraction
- Fines: $25 ($50 if failed to slow to avoid accident)
- Jail Time: None
- Points: 2
Absolute:
- Classification: Infraction
- Fines: $10 to $50
- Jail Time: None
- Points: 3 (over 55 miles per hour)
Absolute (over 80 miles per hour or over 55 miles per hour and at least 15 over the limit):
- Classification: Class 3 misdemeanor
- Fines: Up to $200
- Jail Time: 10 days maximum
- Points: 3 (over 55 miles per hour)
Speeding in school zone:
- Classification: Infraction
- Fines: $250
- Jail Time: None
- Points: 3
Speeding in construction zone:
- Classification: Infraction
- Fines: $250
- Jail Time: None
- Points: 2
(N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 15A-1340.23 (2025); N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 20-16 (2025).)
What Are the Fines & Points for Stop Sign and Stop Light Tickets in North Carolina?
The penalties are generally the same for stop sign and red light violations in North Carolina.
North Carolina's Stop Sign and Traffic Signal Laws
At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before the nearest of a marked stop line, entering the crosswalk, or entering the intersection itself. Right turns on red are allowed so long as the driver makes a complete stop first. (N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 20-158 (2025).)
Penalties for Stop Sign & Stop Light Tickets in North Carolina
Stop Light Violation:
- Classification: Infraction
- Fines: $50
- Points: 3
Stop Sign Violation:
- Classification: Infraction
- Fines: $50
- Points: 3
- Classification: Civil offense
- Fines: $50
- Points: 0
(N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 20-16 (2025); N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 160A-300.1 (2025).)
What Are the Fines & Jail Time for Distracted Driving in North Carolina?
Penalties for texting and cell phone tickets in North Carolina depend on the driver's age and the type of vehicle.
North Carolina's Texting and Cell Phone Rules for Drivers
North Carolina’s distracted driving laws prohibit texting while driving for all motorists and talking on a cell phone for underage motorists and school bus drivers. (N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 20-137.3 (2025); N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 20-137.4 (2025); N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 20-137.4A (2025).)
Penalties for Distracted Driving in North Carolina
Underage Cell Phone Use:
- Classification: Infraction
- Fines: $25
- Jail Time: None
- Points: 0
Cell Phone or texting by school bus driver:
- Classification: Class 2 misdemeanor
- Fines: $100 to $1,000
- Jail Time: 30 days maximum
- Points: 0
Texting while driving:
- Classification: Infraction
- Fines: $100
- Jail Time: None
- Points: 0
What Are the Fines, Points, & Jail Time for Unlicensed Driving in North Carolina?
The penalties for driving without a license in North Carolina vary greatly depending on the circumstances.
North Carolina's Driver's License Requirement
Generally, all North Carolina motorists must have a valid license in their possession while driving. (N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 20-7 (2025).)
Penalties for Driving Without a License in North Carolina
Failure to Have License in Possession:
- Classification: Infraction
- Fines: $25
- Jail Time: None
- Points: 0
Expired License:
- Classification: Infraction
- Fines: $25
- Jail Time: None
- Points: 3 (expired more than 1 year)
Unlicensed Driving:
- Classification: Class 3 misdemeanor
- Fines: Up to $200
- Jail Time: 10 days maximum
- Points: 3
Driving on Suspended License:
- Classification: Class 3 misdemeanor
- Fines: Up to $200
- Jail Time: 10 days maximum
- Points: 3
Driving on Suspended License Related to DWI Incident:
- Classification: Class 1 misdemeanor
- Fines: Court's discretion
- Jail Time: 45 days maximum
- Points: 3
Depending on the situation, drivers who didn’t have a license in their possession or were operating a vehicle with a recently expired license may be able to establish a defense to their charge. (N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 15A-1340.23 (2025); N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 20-28 (2025);