Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a certified driver’s record online?
Yes. North Carolina provides both Certified Driving Records and Non-Certified Driving Records. Your certified driving record, which is mainly used court-related requests, will contain the following information:
  • Any car accidents and violations you were involved in
  • Any convictions on your record
  • The current status of your driver’s license
  • The expiration date of your driver’s license

For more information: Your North Carolina Driving Record

Do I need to attend traffic school if I get a speeding ticket?
A speeding ticket can result in high fines and fees and in some cases, even a driver s license suspension. Pay speeding tickets online through the NC Court System website. You only have to enroll in a drivers improvement course if your license was suspended due to speeding.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in North Carolina

How can I pay for my traffic or parking ticket?
In North Carolina, you can pay traffic ticket or parking ticket either online, in person or by mail. Choose the option that is most convenient for you from the list below:
  • Online Make your payment on the North Carolina Court System website.
  • In Person Visit the county clerk s office of the county where you were issued your ticket.
  • By Mail Send proper payment to the mailing address of the county clerk s office.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in North Carolina

How do I file a complaint when I believe someone has illegally accessed my DMV record?
If you have reason to believe that an unauthorized party has accessed your North Carolina DMV driving record, you can file a complaint directly with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. You can use NC s Driving Records Post A Comment page to make note of your complaint. You will be required to input your driver’s license number, as well as your name and email address for a response.

For more information: Your North Carolina Driving Record

How do I get a copy of my driving record?
The state of North Carolina allows you to check driving records either online, in person or by mail.

Online

If you would like a quick and convenient way to get your driving record, you can make your Driving Record Request online, through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles website.

In Person

In order to check your driving record in person, you will need to bring your North Carolina drivers license, along with payment for the appropriate fee to a local DMV office.

You will also need to present a completed Driver Privacy Protection Act Request (DL-DPPA-1a) Continuation form

For more information: Your North Carolina Driving Record

How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed?
In order to get your NC traffic ticket fines dismissed, weigh your options and choose the one that is best for you in the circumstance. For example, you may choose to represent yourself in court. But, in other cases, you may find it suitable to hire a traffic attorney. Keep in mind that neither option guarantees having your traffic ticket dismissed.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in North Carolina

How do I obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record?
If you wish to request somebody else s NC driving record, you may be eligible to do so under the North Carolina Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). However, you must have the following information available:
  • Full name
  • North Carolina driver s license number
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security Number

For information about NC s Authorized Usage List, visit this link.

Keep in mind that it may take up to 10 business days for your request to be processed.

For more information: Your North Carolina Driving Record

How do I reinstate my license if I refused to submit a breath/urine/blood test?
If you refuse a chemical test at the point in time of being accused of driving while intoxicated in North Carolina, you are required to go through the same reinstatement process as suspended-license-drivers. The steps include:
  1. Waiting out the drivers license suspension time.
  2. Paying violation fines.
  3. Serving jail or parole time.
  4. Reinstating your drivers license with the NC DMV.

The only difference is as follows: if you refuse the chemical test, you will receive an additional 12-month license revocation on top of any original suspension or revocation.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for North Carolina

How do I remove points from my driver’s license?
Depending on your case, you may be able to remove points from your license by attending defensive driving school. To find out if this applies to you, you should get in touch with the District Attorney s office of where you were issued your ticket. Make sure to have information such as your driver’s license number, in case it is requested in order to identify you.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in North Carolina

How many points can I get on my driving record before my driver’s license is suspended?
If you accumulate 12 or more points on your NC driving record within a three-year period, you run the risk of facing a driver s license suspension. A license suspension can result in high fines and fees, as well as possible jail time, therefore you should always keep an eye on your driver’s license status.

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Carolina

How many times can I attend a traffic school course to remove points from my driving record?
Depending on the offense you committed, you may be eligible to complete a driver improvement course in order to have points removed from your NC drivers record. For information regarding the number of points you can have removed, contact the Driver Improvement Clinic at 919-715-7000 or write them to the below address:

NC Division of Motor Vehicles Driver License Section Information Services Branch 3114 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699

For more information: North Carolina Driver Education and Traffic Schools

If I lost my traffic or parking ticket, how can I find the information again?
The North Carolina Court System website makes it easy for you to get NC traffic fines information online. Simply search for your ticket by using the “Citation Query by Defendant Name” provided on the site. You can also input your citation number (including any letters) in order to locate your traffic ticket. Keep in mind that once you have set your option to “Make payment” you will be pleading guilt and responsibility to the offense. Thereafter, your citation will be removed.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in North Carolina

If my driver’s license was confiscated at the time of my DUI/DWI arrest, how do I get it back?
The only way for you to get your drivers license back after it is confiscated for a DWI is to wait until your suspension period is over. Once the period is concluded and you complete all other requirements (such as paying fines or possible jail time), you must reinstate your license with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. You can contact the DMV to find out information pertaining to your particular case.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for North Carolina

What are the different types of driving records?
North Carolina offers two different driving records:
  • Certified Driving Record: For court or official use
  • Non-Certified Driving Record: For your own personal use

Both types of records will contain information about your driver’s license status, traffic accidents you have been involved in, violations and convictions, among other things. If you have any pending charges, they may not currently be reflected on your driving record. To obtain a certified driving record by mail, you should allow at least 10 business days for proper delivery.

For more information: Your North Carolina Driving Record

What are the penalties of being convicted of driving under the influence?
The penalties for driving while intoxicated in North Carolina vary based on severity and the number of the offense. However, you can expect to incur all of the following:
  • Drivers license suspension
  • Jail, parole or community service time
  • Traffic fees
  • Substance abuse assessment
  • Reinstatement fees

In order to reinstate your NC driver’s license, you will first be required to complete all the terms set forth by your suspension period, such as the ones listed above. Thereafter, you should contact the NC DOT for further information about reinstating your license.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for North Carolina

What happens if I get traffic ticket fines and I have a CDL?
If you are a commercial driver who has received a traffic ticket, you must notify your employer immediately. Failure to do so will result in additional unwanted penalties. You will have the option to plead guilty and pay traffic tickets online or fight the charges. To be certain of the penalties you are faced with, you should reach out to the county clerk s office in the county where you received your citation.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in North Carolina

What information does a driving record contain?
Your North Carolina drivers record includes the following information:
  • Your current license state
  • Your license s expiration date
  • Driver control actions
  • Any convictions and violations
  • Car accidents you have been involved in

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles offers both certified and non-certified driving records. A certified driving record is mainly used for court-related or official purposes. If you have any pending charges, they may not currently be reflected on your record.

For more information: Your North Carolina Driving Record

What is considered the legal alcohol limit?
What is the cost of a DUI?
In the state of North Carolina, the fees that you must pay for committing an NC DUI vary based on the number of the offense. The fees to restore your drivers license however, are fixed:
  • Standard reinstatement: $50
  • Reinstatement due to DWI: $100

Traffic fines associated with the charge are also based on severity. For instance, a first offense can vary from $200 to $10,000.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for North Carolina

What is the cost of a traffic ticket?
The traffic ticket price should be noted on the ticket itself. If it is unclear, you can look for your ticket online. Simply visit the North Carolina Court System website and enter your citation information to get specific details. If you do not have your citation number readily available, you can also find your traffic ticket online by searching with your name. In the NC Court System website, click on the option to search “Citation Query by Defendant Name” and input any of the requested information.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in North Carolina

What is the cost to get a driver record?
  • Certified Driving Record: $11
  • Non-Certified Driving Record: $8

Be aware that fees may vary. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles asks to allow 10 business days for delivery. You can also call the DMV Customer Service line at 919-715-7000 if you have any questions.

For more information: Your North Carolina Driving Record

What is the DUI penalty for a CDL driver?
If you are a commercial driver who is convicted of driving under the influence in NC, your first offense will result in a one-year suspension of your drivers license. Any subsequent DUI charge will cause your CDL to be disqualified permanently. Additionally, by law, any information regarding your driving under the influence conviction should not be withheld from your employer, or this may result in more serious consequences and penalties.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for North Carolina

What is the DUI penalty for a minor?
If you are under 21 and are convicted of any of the following crimes, your drivers license will be suspended for a 30-day pretrial period and then one full year:
  • Driving while intoxicated in NC with alcohol in your system
  • Trying to buy alcohol
  • Trying to buy alcohol with someone else s ID
  • Trying to help someone else buy alcohol
  • Using a fake ID or driving license to buy alcohol

A court may also require minors to engage in community service and pay additional court fees as penalties for their violations.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for North Carolina

What must I do to reinstate my driver’s license as a result of a DUI/DWI?
The process to reinstate a suspended drivers license requires that you follow these steps:
  • Wait for the end of your NC DWI suspension period.
  • Go to a local NC DMV office.
  • Pay traffic fees and other court costs, if applicable.
  • Apply for a new North Carolina drivers license. You may be required to retake the written and driving tests.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for North Carolina

Where can I find more information about an ignition interlock device?
In some instances, North Carolina requires a driver convicted of a DUI to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. If you committed a DWI in North Carolina and need more information about ignition interlock requirements, then you can call one of the following ignition interlock providers:
  • ALCOLOCK NC, Inc. at 1-855-664-0353
  • Monitech, Inc. at 1-800-521-4246
  • Smart Start, Inc. at 1-800-880-3394

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for North Carolina

Where can I find my traffic or parking ticket information online?
You can search for and pay traffic tickets online by visiting the North Carolina Court System website. Once there, you will see an option to locate your citation number by clicking on the “Citation Query by Defendant Name” link. If you have your citation number with you, you can use it along with any letters that are a part of the document, when looking up your traffic ticket. Be aware that in order for your traffic ticket to be accessed online you must first allow a few days for it to be processed into the North Carolina Court System.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in North Carolina

Why doesn’t a recent traffic ticket I received appear on my driving record?
If you just received a traffic citation, it may not yet be reflected on your driving record, depending on the date in which it was issued. If you would like more information about your traffic ticket, contact the county clerk in the jurisdiction where you received your ticket.

For more information: Your North Carolina Driving Record

Will I have points against my driver’s license if I get a ticket?
North Carolina follows a strict point system that can result in drivers license suspension if you acquire 12 or more points within three years. You may or may not have points added to your driving record if you receive a ticket. However, you do have the option to fight the ticket by appearing in court or having legal counsel to represent you.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in North Carolina

Will I have to take an alcohol awareness class to reinstate my driver’s license?
Yes, the state of North Carolina requires that all drivers who are convicted of driving under the influence take an Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School (ADETS) course before reinstating their drivers licenses. If your drivers license has been suspended, you will be required to fulfill everything that is outlined in your suspension prior to reinstatement.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for North Carolina