As of July 1, 2025, the state of North Carolina has made a significant amendment to the Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) insurance surcharge rule. This change will impact how insurers assess your driving record and calculate premiums.
🛑 What’s Changing?
🔹 Lookback Period Extended from 3 to 5 Years
Under the prior law, if you received a PJC for a moving violation, insurance companies would not apply a surcharge only if you and everyone listed on your policy had no other PJCs or qualifying violations within the previous three years.
Starting July 1, 2025, this period will expand to five years.
⚠️ That means: if you receive another PJC within five years, your insurer can surcharge you on both incidents.
📜 Authoritative Text (G.S. 58‑36‑75 (f))
From the revised statute effective July 1, 2025:
“…with respect to a prayer for judgment continued for any moving traffic violation, there shall be no premium surcharge nor any assessment of points unless … prayers for judgment continued … during the five years immediately preceding…”
🚗 Why This Matters for Drivers and Insurers
- Drivers: Planning to use a PJC to avoid insurance increases? Now you need a five-year window without any other PJCs—beyond that, your premium is at risk.
- Policyholders: PJCs are tracked across all household drivers—it’s a shared clock
✅ Action Steps for Middle Creek Insurance Clients
- Review Driving Records for your entire household
Check all household drivers’ records for any PJCs dating back five years. - Ask your attorney if this rule will reflect on your insurance points before asking for a PJC.
Consider strategies for minimizing reliance on PJCs, since they now impact premiums for longer periods.
🎯 Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Before July 1, 2025 | Starting July 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| PJC Lookback Period | 3 years | 5 years |
| Household PJC Tracking | Shared across policyholders | Still shared—affects all drivers |
| Insurance Surcharge | Triggered if PJC within 3 years | Triggered if PJC within 5 years |
📌 Bottom Line
The PJC rule extension may seem minor, but it fundamentally changes premium risk timelines. Clients who previously relied on a three-year gap should now plan around a five-year safe window. Keeping thorough records and educating family members will be key to avoiding unexpected insurance rate hikes.
Questions? Call your Middle Creek Insurance Agent for additional information at 919-524-2149.
**** Please note that PJC rules also apply for tickets on watercraft, ATVs, Recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles, mopeds and motorcycles. The NC DMV motor vehicle reports reflect driving history for all motor vehicle violations.
