Driving is a privilege that comes with significant responsibilities. In North Carolina, there are numerous ways a driver can end up with a suspended license. Understanding these reasons and the relevant statutes can help you stay compliant with the law and avoid losing your driving privileges. Here are the primary ways a driver’s license can be suspended in North Carolina:
- Accumulation of Points
North Carolina operates a point system for traffic violations. If a driver accumulates 12 or more points within a three-year period, their license may be suspended. Each traffic violation carries a specific point value, and accumulating too many points can lead to a suspension.
– Relevant Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-16
- Driving While Impaired (DWI)
A conviction for driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs can result in a license suspension. The severity of the suspension depends on the circumstances of the offense, including the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and whether there were any aggravating factors.
– Relevant Statutes: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-17.8, § 20-19
- Failure to Appear in Court or Pay Fines
If a driver fails to appear in court for a traffic violation or fails to pay fines or court costs, their license can be suspended. This is a common reason for license suspensions and can be easily avoided by addressing traffic tickets promptly.
– Relevant Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-24.1
- Driving Without Insurance
Operating a vehicle without the required insurance coverage is illegal and can result in a license suspension. North Carolina requires all drivers to maintain liability insurance to cover damages in the event of an accident.
– Relevant Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-309
- Failure to Pay Child Support
Non-payment of court-ordered child support can lead to a license suspension. This measure is intended to enforce child support obligations and ensure that children receive the financial support they need.
– Relevant Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 110-142.2
- Medical Conditions
If the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) determines that a driver has a medical condition that makes it unsafe for them to drive, their license can be suspended. This includes conditions that impair vision, motor skills, or cognitive function.
– Relevant Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-9
- Excessive Speeding
Certain speeding violations, such as driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit if the total speed is over 55 mph, can result in a suspension. Excessive speeding is considered a serious offense due to the increased risk of accidents.
– Relevant Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-16.1
- Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test
Refusing to submit to a chemical test when suspected of driving while impaired can lead to an immediate suspension. This is part of North Carolina’s implied consent law, which requires drivers to comply with chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DWI.
– Relevant Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-16.2
- Habitual Offender Status
Being declared a habitual offender due to multiple serious traffic violations can result in a lengthy suspension or revocation of driving privileges. This designation is reserved for drivers who repeatedly violate traffic laws.
– Relevant Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-138.5
- Failure to Complete Required Driver Improvement Courses
If a driver is ordered to complete a driver improvement course and fails to do so, their license can be suspended. These courses are often mandated for drivers who have committed certain traffic offenses.
– Relevant Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-16
- Out-of-State Violations
Traffic violations committed in other states can also affect your North Carolina driving privileges. North Carolina participates in the Driver License Compact, which allows states to share information about traffic violations.
– Relevant Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-4.24
- Failure to Maintain Vehicle Registration
Not keeping your vehicle registration up to date can lead to a suspension. It is essential to renew your vehicle registration on time to avoid penalties.
– Relevant Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-111
Conclusion
Maintaining your driving privileges in North Carolina requires adherence to various laws and regulations. By understanding the reasons for license suspensions and the relevant statutes, you can take proactive steps to avoid losing your license.
If you have been cited with a traffic ticket in North Carolina, I can help you avoid many of the common pitfalls that drivers make which lead to a suspended license.
Please give me a call at 980-320-0519