Why Are NC Courts So Strict About Speeding Tickets?
With NC recently becoming a top transplant state, ranked at number one as of this writing, I get this title as a question a lot nowadays! My answer is part theory, part fact. First of all, our state statutes make speeding a misdemeanor offense, starting at 16 over, with mandatory appearances, and same at 11 over in 70mph zones. So the the statute makes it a summons type ticket, as opposed to a pay it ticket. But keep in mind, you don’t want to pay the pay it tickets either! I can generally appear in any court in NC and get those speeds negotiated to a non-moving or less severe charge, so why mess up our NC insurance bargains that safe drivers enjoy? That is the facts.
Now for my ‘theory’ on why NC is so strict with speeding and traffic, and it’s just the people. We traditionally have enjoyed a true southern pace of life in NC, and on average still maintain that pace. Natives usually have a southern accent, talk slower, move in a little more relaxed manner, and enjoy the pace of slow and easy. Now that is a little different and changing rapidly the other direction in our major cities, like Charlotte and Raleigh, however it’s still a wide spread cultural custom in the south in general, to take our time and not be rushed. I think this culture blends with the idea that traffic enforcement increases public safety, leading to the accepted law with harsh penalties from DMV, insurance, as well as the more formal approach from the courts.
The best way to handle these NC speeding and traffic charges never changes, and that is to call a knowledgeable attorney, who has years of experience navigating the courts and DMV to keep you on the road, while still enjoying NC insurance coverage that is not costing a fortune. I answer my own calls and can consult you personally, call or text me today!