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Help! I got a Speeding Ticket – What Does That Mean?

Perhaps you were driving too quickly, perhaps you were driving too slow, or maybe you engaged in a little street racing – no matter the particular cause, you now find yourself with a ticket for a speeding violation. What exactly does this mean for you? 


There are two different arenas in which your life may be impacted by the receipt of a speeding violation: the first is within the legal, judicial system, and the second is within the DMV system. 



The Judicial System 

The first system that will handle your speeding ticket is the judicial one. The judicial system may mete out certain penalties in response to your ticket. Most often this is fines, and potentially court costs as well. More serious judicial consequences of a speeding ticket can include jail time, or the creation of/addition to a permanent criminal record. 


If you have received a traffic ticket but want to avoid some of the consequences of that ticket, an option that may be available to you is something called a Prayer for Judgement Continued. 


Prayer for Judgment – What Is It?

A prayer for judgment continued (or a PJC) is a method by which a judge can technically find someone guilty of a (non-jailable) offense, but not actually enter any judgment against them for that offense. Because no judgment has been entered, the person will not receive any points on their license, nor a fine for the ticket. It is important to note that a PJC still results in court costs. 


How often can I use a PJC?

You may use a PJC once every three years (per household) to offset insurance points; you may also use a PJC to offset DMV points twice every five years. 


When can I NOT get a PJC?

You may not get a PJC if the violation in question was for speeding more than 25 mph over the limit. PJCs also will not apply to more serious violations such as DWIs (driving while intoxicated). Finally, you may not get a PJC if you have a commercial driver’s license. 


The DMV

The second system that may be impacted by your speeding violation is the DMV. Specifically, conviction of a speeding violation may result in points being added to your driver’s license. 


How many points will I receive?

The number of points added may depend on the specific violation you receive, as well as the facts surrounding the instance of the violation. Specifically…

  • If the speed limit is 55 mph, and you are speeding by 10 mph or less, you may receive 2 points on your license.

  • If you are going more than 55 mph, OR are going 80 mph in a 70 mph zone, OR are speeding in a school zone, you may receive 3 points on your license. 


What happens if I get too many points?

If you receive 12 points on your license within a three year period, your license may be suspended. If you receive 8 points on your license within three years of having your license reinstated, you may receive an additional suspension. However, once your license is reinstated all previous points are removed. 


I have more questions about my speeding ticket – what should I do?

If you have more questions, we would love to help! Please reach out to us to set up an initial consultation where we can discuss your legal needs and potential solutions.


Call us at (919) 390-3521 or send us a text at (833) 450-2121





About the Author

Gabrielle Sigmon is currently a law student at the University of North Carolina School of Law. Prior to law school, Gabrielle graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She joined Smith Dominguez, PLLC as a summer law clerk in May 2024.



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