Elkin, listen up. We need to talk about that ticket you thought disappeared.
For years, North Carolina drivers have used the famous "Prayer for Judgment Continued" (PJC) like a magic wand. You go to court, ask for a PJC, pay court costs, and boom—no points on your license. It feels like a clean getaway.
But there is a hidden clock ticking in the background that most drivers (and even some lawyers) forget about. It's called the Lookback Period.
The Myth of the "Clean Slate"
Here is the scenario: You got a speeding ticket 3 years ago. You used a PJC. You think your record is spotless.
Fast forward to today. You get another minor ticket. You think, "I'll just pay this one, it's no big deal."
STOP.
Insurance companies don't just look at today. They look back. And while the DMV might say you have a license, your insurance company sees a pattern. If you trigger a rate increase now, that "ghost" ticket from years ago might come back to haunt your premiums.
🚨 The Reality Check: While DMV points usually fall off after 3 years, insurance companies can rate for incidents up to 3 years, but the PJC rules are strict. You only get ONE per household every 3 years. One slip up by anyone on your policy resets the clock.
Why 3 Years Feels Like 5 Years
This is where it gets sticky. If you switch insurance carriers, they run a "Clue Report" or MVR. If they see activity—even forgiven activity—it can impact your eligibility for the "Preferred" pricing tiers.
You aren't just losing a discount; you might be getting shoved into a "High Risk" tier without realizing it. That rate hike doesn't last a month; it locks you down for years.
The "PJC Danger Zone" Checklist
Not sure if you are sitting on a ticking time bomb? Use our interactive checklist below. If you check more than one box, you need to call us immediately.
How to Escape the Trap
Don't panic. Strategy is everything in the insurance game. Before you pay that next ticket, and before you accept that renewal hike, let us look at the raw data.
At Bill Layne Insurance, we don't just sell policies; we play defense for your wallet. We check the lookback periods before we quote you, ensuring you are placed with a carrier that treats you fairly.
Don't let a secret rule drain your bank account. Let's review your record today.