If you think back to when you were first studying for your North Carolina license, you likely read a lot about how you can get points on your license for taking different actions. When many of us think of a rewards programs or a test, we associate the idea of points with something good. It’s not something to strive for when it comes to driving though. Drivers who rack up excessive points may not only have to pay higher insurance premiums but also lose their license.
Most states including North Carolina have a points system in place which is used by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to keep track of a driver’s serious traffic infractions. They assign varying point values to any number of moving violations including speeding, texting and driving, reckless operation of a vehicle, failures to stop, illegal turns and driving under the influence (DUI). If you receive too many points, then the state may suspend or revoke your driver’s license.
What you may not realize is that automobile insurance companies maintain their unique point accounting system. It assigns different point values to certain traffic infractions. Your insurance rates may increase for each violation that you have. If your driving record is particularly egregious, then your insurer may even opt to cancel your automobile insurance policy. Even if they don’t, the increase in costs that they assess may make it too cost-prohibitive to operate your vehicle.
There may be little to nothing that you can do to keep your infractions from making it into your insurance company’s points accounting system. You may have to wait a while and take some defensive driving classes to show your auto carrier that you can be safe before they’ll offer you a reduction in rates. The DMV may allow you to have deducted points added back onto your license if you complete a driver’s education class or other activities.
A traffic tickets attorney can advise you of what you can do to improve your plight if you’ve been stopped here in Bolivia for some type of traffic violation. This may be key to keeping your insurance rates low and your driver’s license active here in North Carolina.