North Carolina License Points Lookup
Enter your point total to see where it sits against North Carolina's levels, how long points count, and whether a course can help, from North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) and North Carolina law. Runs in your browser; nothing is stored.
Official sources checked on October 21, 2026.
Use the total from your official driving record if you have it.
Or add up violations
Point values from the state schedule. Tick each conviction.
Uses a point system
North Carolina
NCDMV assigns points for a conviction as of the date of the offense, and the license may be suspended at 12 points within three years, or 8 points within three years after a reinstatement.
Other consequences
Separately from points, the license may be suspended for two or more convictions within 12 months of speeding over 55 and not more than 80 mph.
Other consequences
Insurance companies use a different point system to set insurance rates.
How long points count
Points count within a three-year period, and when a suspended or revoked license is restored, the points previously on the record are cancelled.
Point reduction or driver improvement
A driver offered a driver improvement clinic (at 7 points, or 4 points within three years after reinstatement) has 3 points deducted after completing it, and only one deduction is allowed in any five-year period. The clinic fee in the statute is $83.50.
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How North Carolina license points work
NCDMV assigns points for a conviction as of the date of the offense, and the license may be suspended at 12 points within three years, or 8 points within three years after a reinstatement. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16)
The rule is set in N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16 (authority of Division to suspend license).
North Carolina point levels
Adult (full license)
- 7 points: NCDMV may call the driver to a conference and offer a driver improvement clinic (N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16(c))
- 12 points within 3 years: license may be suspended: not more than 60 days the first time, up to 6 months the second time, up to 1 year after that (N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16(a)(5) and (c))
Within 3 years after a license reinstatement
- 4 points within 3 years: NCDMV may call the driver to a conference and offer a driver improvement clinic (N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16(c))
- 8 points within 3 years: license may be suspended again (N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16(a)(5))
Points for common violations in North Carolina
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Passing a stopped school bus | 5 |
| Aggressive driving | 5 |
| Reckless driving | 4 |
| Following too closely | 4 |
| Illegal passing | 4 |
| Speeding over 55 mph | 3 |
| Running a stop sign | 3 |
| Running a red light | 3 |
| Speeding in a school zone | 3 |
| No liability insurance | 3 |
| Any other moving violation | 2 |
The full schedule is in N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16(c) Schedule of Point Values.
How long points count in North Carolina
Points count within a three-year period, and when a suspended or revoked license is restored, the points previously on the record are cancelled. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16(c))
Point reduction and driver improvement in North Carolina
A driver offered a driver improvement clinic (at 7 points, or 4 points within three years after reinstatement) has 3 points deducted after completing it, and only one deduction is allowed in any five-year period. The clinic fee in the statute is $83.50. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16(c) and (e))
Tickets from another state
The point schedule applies only to violations and convictions that take place in North Carolina, though an offense in another state that would be grounds for suspension here can still lead to a suspension. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16(a)(7) and (c))
Other consequences
- Separately from points, the license may be suspended for two or more convictions within 12 months of speeding over 55 and not more than 80 mph. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16(a)(9))
- Insurance companies use a different point system to set insurance rates. (NCDMV: License Suspension)
What this page does not do
- It does not read your driving record. Only North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) can confirm your current total.
- It does not predict a suspension: levels count only convictions inside each window, and the agency decides.
- It does not cover commercial (CDL) disqualifications or DUI suspensions, which follow separate rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points before your license is suspended or revoked in North Carolina?
North Carolina's first level for an adult license is 12 points within 3 years: license may be suspended: not more than 60 days the first time, up to 6 months the second time, up to 1 year after that. Lower levels apply to some younger or provisional drivers; see the levels above.
How long do points stay on your license in North Carolina?
Points count within a three-year period, and when a suspended or revoked license is restored, the points previously on the record are cancelled.
Can you remove points from your license in North Carolina?
A driver offered a driver improvement clinic (at 7 points, or 4 points within three years after reinstatement) has 3 points deducted after completing it, and only one deduction is allowed in any five-year period. The clinic fee in the statute is $83.50.
How do I check my driving record in North Carolina?
Request it from North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV): NCDMV: Driving Records. Order online, by mail or in person.
Sources
- N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-16 (authority of Division to suspend license)
- NCDMV: Driving Records
- NCDMV: License Suspension
Official sources checked on October 21, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
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