NC Driver License Points System Explained
NC has two separate point systems -- DMV license points and insurance SDIP points. Learn how each works, point values, suspension thresholds, and more.
The Bottom Line
North Carolina has two completely separate point systems that confuse many drivers. DMV license points determine whether your license gets suspended (12 points in 3 years). Insurance SDIP points determine your insurance rates. The same violation may affect each system differently, and understanding both is essential after an accident or traffic citation.
Two Point Systems, One State
One of the most confusing aspects of NC traffic law is that two entirely different point systems operate simultaneously:
- DMV License Points -- tracked by the NC Division of Motor Vehicles, these determine whether your license is suspended
- Insurance (SDIP) Points -- tracked under the Safe Driver Incentive Plan, these determine your insurance premium surcharges
The same traffic violation may add a different number of points to each system. Understanding both is critical after any traffic citation or accident.
DMV License Points
How They Work
DMV license points are assessed based on traffic convictions -- not accidents themselves. Points accumulate over a rolling three-year period.
N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16
Suspension Thresholds
| Situation | Point Threshold | Suspension Length |
|---|---|---|
| First suspension | 12 points in 3 years | 60 days |
| Second suspension | 12 points in 3 years (after reinstatement) | 6 months |
| Third or subsequent | 12 points in 3 years (after reinstatement) | 1 year |
| Post-reinstatement | 8 points in 3 years | Additional suspension |
When your license is reinstated after a suspension, all previous points are canceled and the accumulation starts fresh. However, the 8-point threshold after reinstatement makes it easier to face a second suspension.
Common Point Values
| Violation | DMV Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding (over 55 mph in a 55 zone) | 3 |
| Speeding (over the limit, not over 55 in a 55 zone) | 2-3 |
| Running a red light | 3 |
| Running a stop sign | 3 |
| Following too closely | 4 |
| Reckless driving | 4 |
| Passing a stopped school bus | 5 |
| Hit and run (property damage only) | 4 |
| Aggressive driving | 5 |
| Texting while driving | 1 |
| DWI | License revocation (separate from points) |
Insurance (SDIP) Points
The Safe Driver Incentive Plan is the insurance point system. These points do not affect your license -- they affect your insurance premiums.
Key differences from DMV points:
- At-fault accidents add insurance points even without a traffic citation
- Point values are different from DMV points for the same violation
- Points remain for three years from the date of conviction
- Insurance surcharges are calculated based on your total SDIP points
An at-fault accident that is your first in three years adds 1 SDIP point. Subsequent at-fault accidents add more. This means that even a minor fender bender where no citation is issued can still increase your insurance rates.
Accidents vs. Citations: What Adds Points
This is the critical distinction that many drivers misunderstand:
DMV License Points
- Accidents alone do NOT add DMV points -- only traffic convictions add points
- If you cause an accident and receive a citation (speeding, failure to yield, etc.), the citation conviction adds points
- If you cause an accident but receive no citation, no DMV points are added
Insurance SDIP Points
- At-fault accidents DO add SDIP points -- even without a citation
- The insurance company determines fault independently
- You can receive SDIP points from an at-fault accident even if you were not cited
Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC)
A Prayer for Judgment Continued is a unique NC legal procedure where the judge finds you guilty but delays entering judgment indefinitely. For practical purposes, it means no punishment is imposed.
For traffic violations, a PJC generally prevents:
- DMV license points from being assessed
- Insurance SDIP points from being assessed
- Fines from being imposed
However, PJCs have important limitations:
- Each household gets one PJC for insurance purposes every three years
- PJCs do not work for DWI charges
- Some moving violations may not qualify
- A PJC used for one family member affects the entire household's eligibility
How to Check Your Points
You can check your NC driving record, including current point totals, through:
- MyNCDMV online portal -- the fastest way to check your record
- In person at any NC DMV office
- By phone at 919-715-7000
- By mail to the NC DMV in Raleigh
Your driving record shows all convictions, points assessed, and suspension history.
After a Suspension: Getting Your License Back
If your license is suspended due to points:
- Wait the full suspension period -- 60 days (first), 6 months (second), or 1 year (third+)
- Pay the reinstatement fee -- currently $65
- Provide proof of insurance -- you may need an SR-22 filing depending on the circumstances
- All previous points are canceled upon reinstatement
- The 8-point threshold applies going forward -- accumulating 8 points in 3 years triggers another suspension
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points does it take to lose your license in NC?
12 DMV license points within a three-year period triggers license suspension. After reinstatement, accumulating 8 points within three years triggers an additional suspension.
Are DMV points the same as insurance points in NC?
No. NC has two completely separate point systems. DMV license points affect your ability to drive (suspension at 12 points). Insurance (SDIP) points affect your insurance rates. The same violation may add different amounts to each system.
How long do points stay on your NC driving record?
DMV license points accumulate over a rolling three-year period. When your license is reinstated after a suspension, all previous points are canceled. Insurance (SDIP) points remain for three years from the date of the conviction.
Does a car accident add points to my NC license?
An accident by itself does not add DMV points. Points are added for traffic convictions, not accidents. However, if you receive a citation in connection with the accident (such as speeding or failure to yield), the conviction for that citation adds points.
What is a Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) and does it prevent points?
A PJC is a NC legal procedure where the judge delays sentencing indefinitely. For traffic violations, a PJC generally prevents both DMV license points and insurance points from being assessed -- but each household is limited to one PJC for insurance purposes every three years.