Did you know that less than 5 percent of Americans challenge traffic tickets? Even though speeding tickets and traffic citations cost hundreds of dollars in obvious, up-front costs—and even more in insurance premium increases and points to your license—most people think it’s a “waste of time” to contest them. It’s not.

North Carolina traffic violations are expensive—probably more costly than you realize. In addition to the average $110-$150 cost of the ticket itself, your ticket costs you hundreds, even thousands of dollars more in insurance premiums.

Take this simple example: assume this is your first offense, and the traffic offense you are charged with is Speeding—Less than 50 MPH. If your annual insurance premium were $1,500, an average amount your insurance company might raise your premium is $375 per year for three years. That’s an extra cost to you—after a single, relatively minor speeding ticket—of $1,125.

Remember — this is an infraction and you are innocent until proven guilty. It is the State’s job to prove you are guilty—do not do it for them!

Paying your traffic citation through the mail is a guilty plea. Pleading guilty means you will be fined the maximum amount allowed by law. If you plead not guilty—and ask for a court date—you stand a very good chance of reducing your fine, reducing the points on your license, and protecting yourself from skyrocketing insurance rates. Cases are often dismissed or at least reduced.