North Carolina DMV Practice Test

Which traffic violation carries the highest number of points?

1. Running a red light

2. Speeding in a residential area

3. Passing a stopped school bus unloading children

4. Driving without a seatbelt

The correct answer is: Passing a stopped school bus unloading children

The traffic violation of passing a stopped school bus unloading children is considered to carry the highest number of points due to its significant impact on safety. This law is in place to protect children who are getting on or off the bus, as they can be particularly vulnerable in these situations. When a school bus has its stop sign extended and red lights flashing, it indicates that children are either boarding or disembarking, and vehicles must come to a complete stop until the bus discontinues the unloading process. Failing to adhere to this law not only endangers the lives of children but also demonstrates a disregard for safety regulations, which is why it is penalized more heavily with higher points on a driver's record. The emphasis on protecting children makes this violation particularly severe in terms of penalties and repercussions. Consequently, this violation has a greater point value compared to other traffic offenses like running a red light, speeding in a residential area, or driving without a seatbelt, which, while serious, do not carry the same level of risk to vulnerable road users.