[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.kregerbrodish.com\/blog\/can-get-speeding-ticket-reduced-improper-equipment\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.kregerbrodish.com\/blog\/can-get-speeding-ticket-reduced-improper-equipment\/","headline":"Pros and Cons of Reducing an NC Speeding Ticket to Improper Equipment","name":"Pros and Cons of Reducing an NC Speeding Ticket to Improper Equipment","description":"Note: Our law firm does not handle or accept these types of cases Getting a speeding ticket in North Carolina can be frustrating, especially if points on your license and potential insurance hikes loom. Many drivers assume that all traffic...","datePublished":"2019-04-20","dateModified":"2026-04-15","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.kregerbrodish.com\/blog\/author\/ben\/#Person","name":"Ben Brodish","url":"https:\/\/www.kregerbrodish.com\/blog\/author\/ben\/","identifier":38,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f221a297abf6cbe2df0bc8a28b63c07d0af2345f318c21b1e8cc223e420692e1?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f221a297abf6cbe2df0bc8a28b63c07d0af2345f318c21b1e8cc223e420692e1?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Kreger Brodish LLP","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kregerbrodish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Kreger-Brodish-LLP-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.kregerbrodish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Kreger-Brodish-LLP-Logo.png","width":417,"height":225}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kregerbrodish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Reducing-a-North-Carolina-Speeding-Ticket-to-Improper-Equipment.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.kregerbrodish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Reducing-a-North-Carolina-Speeding-Ticket-to-Improper-Equipment.jpg","height":630,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/www.kregerbrodish.com\/blog\/can-get-speeding-ticket-reduced-improper-equipment\/","about":["Car Accidents"],"wordCount":1062,"articleBody":"Note: Our law firm does not handle or accept these types of casesGetting a speeding ticket in North Carolina can be frustrating, especially if points on your license and potential insurance hikes loom.Many drivers assume that all traffic tickets automatically affect their insurance or driving record in the same way.This is inaccurate.\u00a0North Carolina law treats moving violations like speeding differently from non-moving violations.Sometimes, you and your traffic lawyer in North Carolina can ask the court to reduce your speeding ticket to an \u201cimproper equipment\u201d violation.\u00a0This alternative can lower the financial and administrative impact, but it\u2019s not the right choice for every driver.Understanding how an improper equipment infraction works and how to request a reduction can help you make an informed decision.What \u201cImproper Equipment\u201d Means in North CarolinaIn North Carolina, an improper equipment violation is considered a lesser-included offense under N.C.G.S. \u00a7 20-141(o).It covers minor mechanical or safety issues with your vehicle, such as a malfunctioning speedometer, broken lights, worn tires, or missing safety equipment. In short, if your vehicle doesn\u2019t meet the state\u2019s safety standards, it has improper equipment.The law allows courts to reduce a speeding ticket to an improper equipment violation in certain situations.Specifically, if you\u2019re charged with speeding less than 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, the court may treat the improper equipment issue as a lesser included offense. This is not available for speeding more than 25 mph over the limit.One of the main benefits of this reduction is that no driver\u2019s license points or insurance surcharge is assessed for the improper equipment violation under this subsection.This makes it an appealing option for drivers looking to protect their driving record while resolving a minor infraction. Courts generally consider the specifics of the citation, your driving record, and whether the vehicle\u2019s issue has been corrected when deciding whether to grant a reduction.The Process of Reducing a Speeding Ticket to Improper EquipmentRequesting a reduction typically starts with filing an online motion or appearing in court, depending on your jurisdiction. The North Carolina Judicial Branch recently launched an online request system that allows drivers to ask for a reduction. Some counties may schedule a brief hearing after receiving the request.When submitting a request, you\u2019ll need to provide information about the ticket and the traffic stop. The court may consider factors such as:Whether your vehicle had any safety violationsYour driving recordYour explanation for the stopDocumentation can make a significant difference.For example, proof that faulty equipment has been repaired or replaced can strengthen your request. Receipts or a mechanic\u2019s statement can help show that your vehicle now meets North Carolina safety standards.Judges and clerks have discretion, and your ability to secure the reduction often depends on the specifics of the citation and the vehicle\u2019s condition. Even minor details, like the officer\u2019s observations or the language in the ticket, can influence the court\u2019s decision.Pros of Reducing a Speeding Ticket to Improper EquipmentThere are a few major benefits of getting a speeding ticket reduced to an improper equipment violation:Improper equipment violations generally do not add points to your license. Avoiding points helps you protect your driving record. Since North Carolina tracks moving violations through a point system, converting a speeding charge to improper equipment lowers your risk of reaching thresholds that trigger higher costs or license restrictions.The fine is usually smaller than a standard speeding ticket. This saves money and may help you avoid future insurance increases.Requesting a reduction is often simpler than contesting a speeding ticket. You avoid the preparation and evidence gathering that a challenge might require.Cons and Limitations of Improper Equipment ReductionsDespite the advantages, there are drawbacks to a reduction:Improper equipment citations remain on your driving record.While they generally don\u2019t carry points, they could still be visible to insurers. Depending on your insurance company, this may have a minor impact, particularly if you have multiple traffic violations or an older driving record.Not all speeding tickets qualify for a reduction.Judges consider the circumstances, including speed and your prior driving history. Excessive speed or unsafe conditions may prevent a reduction. Courts also expect that any actual equipment issues be addressed. Failing to repair your vehicle can result in the reduction being denied.The reduction doesn\u2019t erase the original incident.The citation remains part of your record, and repeated traffic violations may complicate future cases. Drivers may find future reductions harder to obtain, especially if the court sees a pattern of minor infractions replacing more serious violations.While avoiding points and lowering fines is helpful, a reduction doesn\u2019t remove the fact that you were stopped for speeding. It simply changes the label on the ticket. Drivers who want a completely clean record should consider fighting the ticket outright.When to Consider Hiring a North Carolina Traffic AttorneyA traffic lawyer in North Carolina can help you weigh whether to ask for a reduction and guide you through the process. Attorneys understand local court procedures, judges\u2019 tendencies, and what documentation or arguments are most effective.If your speeding ticket involves high points or the reduction may be complicated by additional factors, a lawyer can help you fight for a favorable outcome. They can explain how a reduction might impact insurance and other legal matters.Legal guidance helps make sure your request is precise and persuasive. A traffic attorney can review the officer\u2019s report for errors or inconsistencies. In some cases, the equipment issue cited may not clearly relate to the stop, or the report may contain mistakes that could influence the reduction\u2019s success.Finally, legal representation can save time and prevent procedural mistakes. Courts have specific requirements for filing motions and providing supporting documentation. A lawyer will help you manage deadlines and paperwork so everything is filed on time.Contact Our North Carolina Traffic Lawyers for HelpIf you\u2019re considering a speeding ticket reduction to improper equipment, the attorneys at Kreger Brodish LLP can guide you through the process. Based in Raleigh, our North Carolina traffic lawyers have experience handling speeding tickets, improper equipment citations, and other traffic matters throughout the state.Reach out to Kreger Brodish LLP for a consultation today."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.kregerbrodish.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Pros and Cons of Reducing an NC Speeding Ticket to Improper Equipment","item":"https:\/\/www.kregerbrodish.com\/blog\/can-get-speeding-ticket-reduced-improper-equipment\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]