What Are the Penalties for Speeding in North Carolina?

By Michael D. Cleaves

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Traffic Violations

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Last Modified on Sep 04, 2026

Every motorist has broken the speed limit on occasion, whether late for work or in a hurry to get home after a long day. Speed limits are there to protect you and others who share the road, so it is important to abide by them. Failure to observe the speed limit can also land you in legal trouble.

According to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, there are many penalties that can be assessed for speeding. This includes license suspension, and the duration of the suspension period is based on a few different factors.

30-Day License Suspension

A driver convicted of going more than 15 mph over the speed limit while traveling faster than 55 mph faces a mandatory 30-day license suspension in North Carolina, under G.S. 20-16.1. The same 30-day suspension applies to any driver convicted of going over 80 mph.

60-Day License Suspension for Repeat Violations

A second speeding conviction within a 12-month period triggers a 60-day license suspension in North Carolina, under G.S. 20-16(a)(9). The same 60-day suspension applies if a driver is convicted of reckless driving and speeding together. Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in a manner that shows a lack of care for others, using a mobile device when wreck occurs, or driving to fast for weather conditions, can both support a reckless driving charge alongside the speeding charge.

Maximum Six-Month Suspension

Prior convictions also increase the length of the suspension period if you are traveling over a certain mph. For instance, any driver with two prior convictions within a 12-month period going more than 55 mph can have their license suspended for up to six months.