Traffic Tickets in North Carolina

SUMMARY: Traffic Tickets in North Carolina

If you receive a North Carolina traffic ticket, you can either pay the fine or fight the ticket. Depending on your traffic violation, you may be able to plead guilty and pay your fine without appearing in court. Fighting your ticket will require a court hearing.

This page has information about what to do if you receive a traffic ticket in North Carolina and who to contact for more information.

Traffic Ticket Fines and Penalties

The amount you must pay will be shown on your traffic ticket. In addition to your fine, you may also receive other penalties and be subject to court costs. Contact the NC county court listed on your ticket if you have any questions.

NOTE: Fines and penalties for violations in NC currently do not differ from county to county.

Depending on your violation, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may:

  • Add points to your driving record.
    OR
  • Suspend your driver's license.

For more information:

Pay a Traffic Ticket in North Carolina

Your traffic ticket will tell you how to pay your traffic ticket, the due date, and whether a court appearance is necessary.

NOTE: If you have a “waivable offense," you do not have to appear in court.

You may be able to pay your fine:

NOTE: Make sure you check your ticket or contact the appropriate court for the payment due date and whether you must appear in court.

For more information, visit our Paying Traffic Tickets page.

Reduce Your Charge

In certain cases, you may have your charged reduced by completing a defensive driving course. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Contact the local District Attorney's Office in the county you received your traffic ticket to check if you're eligible.

For more information, visit our page on point reductions.

Fight a NC Traffic Ticket

To plead not guilty and dispute your ticket, you must schedule a court hearing. Your traffic ticket should include instructions for fighting your ticket. (If you've lost your ticket, see below.)

Go to our page about Fighting Traffic Tickets to learn more.

NOTE: If you hire a traffic ticket attorney they will let you know your legal rights and options you have to resolve your traffic ticket.

Lost Your Traffic Ticket?

If you've lost your NC traffic ticket, you may be able to search for it at the North Carolina Courts website.

You can also contact the clerk of court in the county you received the ticket. If you are unsure of the county, call the Administrative Office of the Court at (919) 890-1000.

Fines & Penalties for Commercial Drivers

If you have a North Carolina CDL, you must notify your employer within 30 days of receiving a traffic ticket, even if you weren't driving a commercial vehicle at the time.

The penalty you receive will depend on your driving history and the offense. Violations that result in a CDL revocation include:

  • Operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04%.
  • Refusing to submit to a BAC test.

For more details about how traffic violations can impact your CDL in North Carolina, visit our Ticket Fines & Penalties and CDL Suspensions pages.

Have Your Checked Your Driving Record?

Knowing what's on your driving record is as important as knowing your credit history. If it's inaccurate, you could be paying more for your auto insurance than you should be. Check your driving record by ordering a comprehensive report.

NC Traffic Tickets: FAQs

For more details about NC traffic tickets, please visit our Traffic Ticket FAQ page. Topics include:

  • Receiving a traffic ticket as a minor with a learner's permit.
  • Hiring a traffic ticket attorney in North Carolina.
  • Dismissing your ticket.
  • Defensive driving.
DMV.ORG BBB Business Review