North Carolina Traffic Violation Records

Traffic records in North Carolina are official documents typically maintained by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). These records provide a detailed account of a driver's history, including motor vehicle-related convictions, license status, traffic accidents, and other driving-related incidents. Traffic records in the state may also be found in the state-operated courts, particularly for cases relating to criminal offenses.

Speeding tickets are the most common traffic violation records in North Carolina. According to research, at least 10.5% of Americans have been issued at least one speeding ticket. However, in North Carolina, this figure is lower, as only about 9.6% of drivers in the state have a prior speeding violation on their driving record. The penalties for breaking state speed limit laws include fines, demerit points on a driver's record, and potential increase in insurance rates.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in North Carolina?

Traffic records maintained by the NCDMV are not entirely public as thestateabides by the federal DPPA (Driver's Privacy Protection Act) requires that personal details contained in the NCDMV records be closed to the public. However, these personal details may be released to organizations and individuals who qualify.

For traffic crimes resulting in criminal charges, records of these offenses are generally available to the public via the local clerk of the superior court in the county where the offense was handled. Traffic case information may be viewed at the public terminals located in the office of the clerk of the court in the jurisdictions where such records are maintained.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in North Carolina?

You may look up a traffic ticket in North Carolina using the citation look-up tool provided on the state judicial branch website. To use this tool, enter the citation number in the search field and select the "Search Citation" button to obtain information about the ticket. However, if you do not know your citation number, you may find it via the Citation Query by Defendant Name search tool on the same website.

If the ticket cannot be found online, you may contact the clerk of the superior court in the county where the ticket was issued for further assistance. Some traffic citations may not be immediately available online due to processing times. However, if you are uncertain about the county, you may contact the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts at (919) 792-4000 for assistance.

In addition to the stated methods, you may also use trusted third-party websites like publicrecords.us to obtain public information about traffic violation records in North Carolina.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

You may pay traffic violation fines in North Carolina in the following ways:

• Online Payment: You may pay your traffic ticket online through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's Citation Payment Portal.
• In-Person Payment: Visit the office of the clerk of the superior court in the county where the citation was issued.
• Mail Payment: Some counties allow payment via mail. To use this method, individuals must send a money order or certified check to the appropriate clerk of the court's office. The citation number and relevant details should be included to ensure proper processing.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

You may obtain your North Carolina driving record from the NCDMV online, by mail, or in person. The NCDMV issues four types of records:

• Address History: This record only contains the residential address history of the individual on file with the state DMV. It is not obtainable online but costs $16.75.
• Certified True Copy: This record is a complete driver history and may be used for official use. It costs $18.
• Complete Extract Copy: This record is issued for a driver's personal record and for use by insurance companies and prospective employers. It costs $12.75.
• Limited Extract Copy: This is a 3-year history provided for a driver's personal record and for use by prospective employers and insurance companies. It costs $12.75.

Note that if you prefer online requests, the payment service vendor collects a $3 fee per online transaction in addition to a 1.85% card processing fee. North Carolina driver records typically include name and address, driver license number, status, expiration date, motor vehicle-related convictions, driver control actions, and traffic wreck information.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in North Carolina?

Moving violations occur when a driver commits a traffic offense while the vehicle remains in motion, while non-moving violations are not directly related to the driving behavior of motorists. Examples and penalties of moving violations in North Carolina are:

• Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit. Penalties may include fines ranging from $100 to $1,000, three points on your driving record, and potential license suspension.
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: This may result in fines and three points on your driving record.
• Reckless Driving: This is punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and four points on your driving record
• DWI: Depending on the severity of the offense, fines range between $200 and $4,000, while jail sentences range between 24 hours and two years.

Examples and penalties of non-moving violations include:

• Parking Violations, Such as parking in a no-parking zone or front of a fire hydrant. Penalties usually involve fines, which vary by jurisdiction.
• Expired Registration or Inspection: This may result in fines and additional fees to renew the registration or inspection.
• Failure to Display License Plates Properly: This may lead to fines or warnings.

Generally, moving violations result in points on your driving record, which may lead to higher insurance premiums and potential license suspension if too many points are accumulated. On the other hand, non-moving violations typically involve fines or fixing the issue (such as renewing vehicle registration) but do not add demerit points to your driving record.

How Long Does DWI Stay on Your Record in North Carolina?

A Driving While Impaired (DWI) conviction in North Carolina remains on your record permanently and cannot be expunged. While the state set stringent laws to deter motorists from drunk driving, it still records about 170 DWI arrests per 100,000 drivers annually and approximately 5.7 DWI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers every year.

The penalties for a DWI in North Carolina are structured across five levels, with Level I being the most severe. Level V offenders are punishable by a fine that may reach $200 and a minimum jail term of 24 hours, with a maximum sentence of 60 days, while level I offenders are punishable by a fine that may reach $4,000 and a minimum jail term of 30 days, with a maximum sentence of two years.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in North Carolina?

Speed limits in North Carolina are established under Chapter 20 of the North Carolina General Statutes. The state sets default limits per road type and the surrounding area. Speed limits in North Carolina include the following:

• 35 mph for urban areas
• 55 mph for rural roads
• 70 mph for interstate highways

Speeding fines are determined based on how much a driver exceeds the posted limit. Minor violations, such as driving 1 to 5 mph over the limit, incur a $10 fine, while more severe infractions like exceeding the limit by 25 mph or more may result in a $250 fine. However, additional charges may apply if reckless driving is involved.

For more serious offenses, drivers risk having their licenses suspended. Driving over 15 mph above the limit while exceeding 55 mph or driving faster than 80 mph may lead to a 30-day suspension. A second offense within a year may result in a 60-day suspension.

Note that speed limit violations add demerit points on a driving record, and accumulation of 12 points within three years may lead to license suspension. North Carolina applies stricter penalties for speeding in designated work zones.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a speeding ticket typically stays on a driver's record for three years.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

If you plan on contesting your traffic ticket or getting it dismissed, you may consider the following steps:

• Plead Not Guilty: After receiving the ticket, you can choose to plead not guilty as the first step in challenging the charge. This allows you to present your case in court for possible dismissal.
• Attend the Court Hearing: It is important that you appear on your assigned court date. Missing the hearing can result in additional penalties or even an arrest warrant.
• Assess Your Ticket for Discrepancies: Carefully review your speeding ticket for any errors or inaccuracies, such as incorrect information about your vehicle, location, or the cited offense. Even minor mistakes can weaken the prosecution's case and may provide grounds for dismissal.
• Request a Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC): North Carolina offers a PJC option, which may prevent the violation from appearing on your driving record. This option is limited and often requires legal assistance.
• Negotiate a Plea Bargain: You may be able to appeal to the prosecutor to reduce your speeding ticket to a non-moving violation. A non-moving violation typically has a lower impact on your driving record.

If you are facing serious penalties for the traffic offense, such as the suspension of your driver's license and potential jail time, you should consider consulting with an experienced traffic ticket attorney to represent you in court.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

If you were issued a traffic ticket in another state but got pulled over in North Carolina, law enforcement would be able to see the unpaid traffic citations. This may lead to a revocation or suspension of your driver's license. This concept is made possible by the Drivers License Compact (DLC) and the Nonresident Violator Compact (NVRC). These laws allow participating states to share traffic information.

If you have been issued an out-of-state traffic ticket, you may fight it in the following ways:

• Request a Court Hearing: You may be able to contest your ticket in person by attending a court hearing in the state where the violation occurred.
• Hire a Local Attorney: A traffic attorney familiar with the local traffic laws may represent you in court, potentially saving you the need to travel.
• Submit a Written Defense: Some states may allow written defenses for minor traffic offenses, permitting you to argue your case without appearing in court.
• Negotiate a Settlement: In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges or fines.
• Challenge the Evidence: Review any evidence presented against you, including radar or camera footage, and contest inaccuracies.

How Do North Carolina Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

While all states in the United States have traffic laws, some niche traffic laws in the state differ from those in many other jurisdictions. Some of these laws include the following:

• North Carolina enforces a strict "Move Over Law," requiring drivers to switch lanes or reduce speed when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights.
• Drivers under 18 and school bus drivers from using mobile devices. However, there is no complete ban for adult drivers except for texting while driving.
• Driving over 15 mph above the speed limit or exceeding 80 mph may result in a reckless driving charge.
• On two-lane roads, all vehicles must come to a complete stop when a school bus is loading or unloading children.
• Using a white cane in public is prohibited unless you are visually impaired.