Depending on the reason you were pulled over, traffic tickets may seem like a minor inconvenience. While pleading guilty and paying the fine may seem like the simplest solution, having a traffic conviction on your record can have serious long-term implications. Here are a few ways that a traffic ticket can impact your life for years to come.

4 Long-Term Consequences of a Traffic Ticket

1. Higher Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies assume that drivers with traffic tickets on their records are more likely to cause an accident. As a result, your coverage costs will likely go up. Over several years, the increased insurance costs can rise to many times more than the initial fine, potentially adding up to thousands of dollars.

2. Lost Driving Privileges

Most states use a point system that adds demerits against your license for every traffic conviction. In North Carolina, for example, drivers who receive more than 12 points in a three-year period could have their license suspended for up to 60 days. It can be taken away for longer if you receive subsequent citations.

3. Limited Job Opportunities

Many jobs that involve driving require applicants to have a clean record. If you’re already in a driving profession and already have traffic citations on your record, a traffic ticket could cause you to lose your credentials.

4. Harsher Penalties

While traffic infractions usually aren’t considered criminal offenses, some may result in misdemeanor charges, even if no one is injured. In North Carolina, for instance, going 15 mph over the speed limit on the highway or exceeding 80 mph is considered a Class 3 misdemeanor, which could carry fines of up to $250 and may result in jail time.

If you’ve been pulled over anywhere in North Carolina’s Nash, Edgecombe, or Wilson counties, Moore Law is here to help. For over 20 years, their experienced team has helped drivers navigate the legal system and minimize the long-term consequences of traffic tickets. Visit their website to learn how they can help with your citation. To consult with an accomplished attorney, call (252) 443-2468.