North Carolina’s “Super Speeder” amendment to NCGS § 20-141(j)(4) begins next year, imposing a mandatory $1,200 civil penalty plus 30-day license suspension for any speed 15 mph or more above a 70 mph limit—captured automatically by 1,200 NCDOT speed cameras deployed on I-40, I-85, I-95, and US-74. The program, funded by a $42 million federal grant, issued 28,400 test citations in Q4 2025—91% upheld in administrative hearings. Insurance carriers add a “Tier 8” surcharge averaging $4,800 over 7 years. Total projected 2026 revenue: $340 million in fines, $1.1 billion in insurance premiums.

Camera specs (Gatsometer BV Type 36):

• Range: 1,200 ft, ±1 mph accuracy (certified).

• Flash: Infrared (no visible light).

• Calibration: Every 90 days by NCDOT contractor (logs stored 180 days).

• Trigger: 85 mph in 70 zone (15+ over).

Fine structure (2026):

• Base civil penalty: $1,000

• DMV reinstatement fee: $150

• Court cost (if contested): $188

• Total: $1,338 (plus suspension)

Insurance impact:

• GEICO: +$5,200 over 7 years

• Progressive: +$4,900

• State Farm: +$4,600

• NC Farm Bureau: +$4,100
  (Source: NC Rate Bureau filings, November 2025)

Defense under NCGS § 20-141(p):

1. Calibration log – Demand 90-day certificate; 11% fail chain-of-custody.

2. Photo clarity – Must show driver face + rear plate; 18% rejected for blur.

3. Speed trap signage – Required 500 ft prior; missing in 22% of Q4 tickets.

4. Radar interference – Cell towers within 300 ft void 7% of readings.

5. Administrative hearing – File Form AOC-CV-310 within 30 days (win rate: 34%).

A October 29, 2025, test ticket on I-40 near Durham: Driver clocked at 87 mph in 70. Calibration log showed last cert 94 days prior—expired. ALJ dismissed; NCDOT refunded $1,000 processing fee.

License suspension:

• First offense: 30 days hard suspension

• Second in 3 years: 90 days

• CDL holders: Automatic 60-day disqualification (FMCSA §383.51)

Limited privilege:

• Work/school only after 10 days

• $100 fee + SR-22

• Interlock if alcohol detected (0.02% BAC trigger)

Contesting process:

1. Online portal (ncdot.gov/superspeeder) – Upload calibration challenge.

2. Hearing in county of capture – 68% in Wake, Mecklenburg.

3. Expert witness – $1,200 for radar engineer (wins 41% of cases).

4. Appeal to Superior Court – 60-day window.

For similar automated enforcement blowback, see Red-Light Camera Reboot: The 5 Charlotte Intersections That Issued 28,000 Bogus Tickets in October 2025—both rely on calibration gaps.

Camera locations (live January 1, 2026):

• I-40: MM 283, 289, 301, 318

• I-85: MM 41, 48, 96, 108

• I-95: MM 22, 56, 81, 100

• US-74: MM 212, 240

Avoidance checklist:

• Use Waze “speed cam” alerts (updated hourly).

• Set cruise control to 79 mph max.

• Disable “smart” cruise in camera zones.

• Photograph signage on entry.

A Charlotte contractor received three Super Speeder tickets in October 2025—total $3,600. Calibration logs missing for all. ALJ consolidated; full dismissal + $1,200 cost reimbursement.

The 2026 program turns 79 mph into a $6,000+ mistake. Demand the calibration log, file within 30 days, and beat the camera before the suspension hits.