Insurance points, DMV points and speeding tickets in North Carolina
A clear 2026 guide to two different point systems—and the July 1, 2025 insurance-rule changes that can affect premiums for years.
Insurance points and DMV points are not the same
North Carolina uses two separate systems after a moving violation. DMV points are maintained by the Division of Motor Vehicles and can lead to a driver-license suspension. Insurance points are applied under the Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) and can increase the liability, medical-payments and collision portions of an auto premium.
A lawyer reviewing a ticket should consider both systems, the exact speed alleged, the person’s recent driving history, commercial-license issues, and whether an insurance exception may apply. A result that looks favorable in court can still have an expensive insurance or licensing consequence.
Current SDIP premium increases
The North Carolina Department of Insurance lists the following current surcharge percentages. These percentages apply to the affected premium coverages, not necessarily every dollar on a policy.
| Insurance points | Rate increase |
|---|---|
| 1 | 40% |
| 2 | 55% |
| 3 | 70% |
| 4 | 90% |
| 8 | 200% |
| 10 | 260% |
| 12 | 340% |
What changed on July 1, 2025?
For qualifying policies and convictions, the SDIP changes extended certain experience and surcharge periods to five years. The Department of Insurance also increased property-damage thresholds used in accident classifications to $2,300 and $3,850. The “one conviction for speeding 10 mph or less over” exception and the one-per-household prayer-for-judgment-continued treatment now use a five-year lookback for policies written or renewed under the new rules.
Before resolving a ticket
Bring the citation, a recent driving record, the declarations page or insurer information if available, and any facts about an emergency or unusual circumstance. An attorney can compare amendment, dismissal, trial, improper-equipment and PJC options without promising a particular result.
For a deeper practical explanation, read our North Carolina speeding tickets and 2025 insurance-rule guide.
Frequently asked questions
Will one minor speeding ticket always raise my insurance?
No. North Carolina has limited exceptions, but eligibility depends on the exact conviction and the policy household’s recent record.
Is a PJC automatically the best result?
No. A prayer for judgment continued can have licensing, insurance and future-case consequences. It should be evaluated against the whole record.
How long can insurance points affect a policy?
The answer depends on the offense and policy effective date. Certain four-or-more-point events can affect experience and surcharges for five years under rules effective July 1, 2025.