What’s a Nonmoving Violation and How Do I Get One?
When most people think about traffic tickets, speeding or running a red light comes to mind. But not all traffic violations are alike. In North Carolina, offenses are generally categorized as moving violations or nonmoving violations. Understanding the difference, and knowing how a nonmoving violation works, can make a big impact on your driving record, insurance rates, and even your wallet.
What Is a Nonmoving Violation?
A nonmoving violation is a traffic offense that does not involve the vehicle being in motion. Instead, these violations usually relate to paperwork, equipment, or parking issues. Common examples in North Carolina include:
Expired registration card or tag
Expired or no inspection
Broken tail lights, headlights, or other equipment failures
Parking violations
Window tint violation
Unlike moving violations (such as speeding, reckless driving, or running a stop sign), nonmoving violations do not add points to your driving record and are far less likely to affect your insurance premiums.
How Do You Get a Nonmoving Violation Instead of a Moving Violation?
In some cases, what begins as a moving violation can be negotiated down to a nonmoving violation. This is where having an experienced defense attorney can make a significant difference. For example:
A speeding ticket may be reduced to an equipment violation.
A charge of failing to stop at a red light might be negotiated to a nonmoving violation if the circumstances allow.
Minor driving mistakes may sometimes be resolved without impacting your driving record.
These outcomes depend on your driving history, the facts of your case, and the discretion of the court. A skilled traffic defense attorney can often advocate for a reduction that minimizes the long-term consequences.
Why Nonmoving Violations Matter
No driver’s license points – Points from moving violations can eventually lead to license suspension.
Lower insurance impact – Nonmoving violations are less likely to cause an increase in your insurance rates.
More manageable fines – While fines vary, nonmoving violations are often less expensive than moving violations.
Scheuring Law, PLLC Can Help
At Scheuring Law, PLLC, we understand how important your driving record is for your daily life, your job, and your family. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor, felony, DWI, or traffic violation in Granville, Franklin, Warren, Vance, or Person County, we work to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
If you’ve been cited for a traffic offense, don’t just pay the ticket and risk points on your record. Contact us today to discuss your options, many times, we can help reduce a moving violation to a nonmoving violation.
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The information provided herein is given for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. Never take any action without first consulting with an attorney. Failure to do so can result in your license being suspended, your insurance rates going up, or in some cases, potentially going to jail or have a permanent conviction on your criminal record. No attorney client relationship is formed by the information being provided herein.
