First Time Speeding Ticket Received by a Teenager
My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of North Carolina.
I'm 16 years old, and was pulled over for the first time today doing 70 in a 55. I was keeping with the flow of traffic, but understand that is no defense, nor am I seeking to contest the ticket, as I know I was speeding. However; the officer said that, given it was a first time offense, it is quite possible that the DA would simply throw it out in court, but that, if I didn't want to bother, I could pay the fee.
I have several questions: #1, would it be worth my time to attend court to have the fee waived or lowered?
#2 Would attending a 4 hour defensive driving course prevent my rates (with USAA) from raising due to the ticket?
#3 Even if I take the class and my rates are not raised, would it show on my insurance that I received the ticket (I know it's terrible, but I'm paying for everything myself so if I don't attend court, I would like to avoid having my parents find out).
#4 I was supposed to receive my full ("after nine's") license next month; if the violation were dropped in court (unlikely I know, but hypothetically) would I still be able to do so, or would it reset my six months?
Thank you all!
Re: First Time Speeding Ticket Received by a Teenager
From the standpoint of the state, driver improvement clinics are available for a point reduction for drivers with seven or more points. If you are convicted of speeding > 55 MPH you will get three points, and thus will not have seven or more points. As for how your insurance company might respond to your taking a driver improvement course, ask the insurance agent.
If you are convicted of the ticket you can expect that your parents' insurance will increase, and that the documentation they receive with the bill will reflect that the increase is based upon your driver's license points. Even if the rates are for some reason not increased, the documentation will often nonetheless include the driver's license points for each person on the policy.
In order to move to a level 2 learner's permit, or from level 2 to level 3, you must go at least six months without any convictions for motor vehicle moving violations, seat belt violations, or cell phone violations. If you are not convicted, then merely having been charged will not affect your moving to level 2 or 3.
Re: First Time Speeding Ticket Received by a Teenager
1.) Possibly, but you should see a lawyer. Officially, the fine is only $35, but the court costs are $200, so having the fine reduced won't do much.
2.) Not likely because of NC's surcharge system.
3.) Yes, and your rates are extremely likely to go up. Going 15 over is 2 SDIP points, which is about a 45% insurance surcharge.
4.) Yes, if you weren't found guilty.
HOWEVER, you might be eligible for something called a prayer for judgment continued, which is where the court finds you guilty but defers entry of judgment and sentencing conditional on a probationary period. If this is the only PJC in your household within a three-year period, then that doesn't count for SDIP points.
You might also be able to talk to the prosecutor to negotiate, rather than a speeding ticket, an improper equipment ticket (speedometer), which carries no license or SDIP points but a slightly higher fine (normally an extra $50).
You're quite lucky, because going 16+ over is a class 3 misdemeanor with a mandatory 30-day suspension.
Re: First Time Speeding Ticket Received by a Teenager
Definitely look into the PJC....you do have to attend a course and the cost is about the same as the ticket BUT it doesn't go on your record or insurance if you don't get another for 2-3 years (I was told 2 six years ago, but it could be 3 now like bloodbath stated). I did that when I first moved to NC (used to driving in Houston)..... and it worked well, but I did have to show up on my court date to ask for it.
You can also hire an attorney for about $200 who might be able to help you out of it. My daughter got out of the first one (no attorney) and then got a second in less than a year. Ended up hiring an attorney (for about $500) and still had to pay the court costs/ticket cost. Hopefully she won't get more!