How to Pay Traffic Tickets in North Carolina
Law enforcement officers generally issue traffic fines in North Carolina following certain offenses, such as failure to provide a valid credential, driving too slowly or operating with an expired NC driver’s license. If your NC traffic violation is marked as “waivable” you may be able to settle your case without personally appearing in court.
Motorists who choose to pay driving tickets instead of challenging the issue in court automatically plead guilty to their offense. Such action may also result in additional penalties, including negative points on driving records and license suspensions. Learn more about how to pay a traffic ticket in North Carolina in the following sections:
- How to pay a traffic ticket fine in North Carolina
- North Carolina traffic ticket attorneys
- Pleading not guilty in North Carolina
- Dismissal of charges in North Carolina
- Lost tickets in North Carolina
How to Pay a Traffic Ticket Fine in North Carolina
The process to pay traffic citations in North Carolina and the methods to submit traffic tickets payments generally depend on the type of the offense and the corresponding court.
Waivable traffic violations may be settled by providing payments via the internet, unless drivers wish to fight their ticket. Other NC ticket violation payment methods include in person or by mail (if applicable). Motorists must respond to their traffic fine timely and properly, thus avoiding the negative consequences of their misdemeanor.
Paying a North Carolina Ticket Online
To initiate the process of paying traffic tickets online in NC , eligible drivers will need to access the online payment provider of the NC Court System.
In order to submit their traffic fines online payment, motorists are required to enter the ticket number. Aside from the base traffic ticket amount, drivers will also be charged an additional processing fee, which is calculated based on the amount owed.
Since not all North Carolina traffic tickets are eligible for payment via the internet, motorists must first ensure they can finalize the procedure utilizing this method.
Paying a North Carolina Ticket via Other Methods
If paying traffic fines online in North Carolina is not an available option, you may respond to your citation via other methods. Alternative NC traffic tickets payment options may include paying by mail or in person.
Prior to settling your traffic ticket using either of these methods, however, consult your citation or contact the court handling your case to check whether any of the aforementioned payment means is currently offered.
North Carolina Traffic Ticket Attorneys
Motorists who decide to beat a traffic ticket in North Carolina may consider the option of hiring an attorney to represent them in court. Traffic ticket lawyers are generally able to ensure the success of an NC traffic ticket defense, as they have the necessary skills and knowledge for such procedures.
In addition to this, experienced lawyers can also help motorists avoid large fines and surcharges, negative points on their driving transcript or higher vehicle insurance rates due to unsafe driving behavior.
You may find a traffic ticket lawyer who can increase your chances of successfully challenging a traffic ticket by conducting your search online. Just provide some basic information about the citation and include a picture of the traffic ticket to be instantly matched with an experienced attorney.
Pleading Not Guilty in North Carolina
You may initiate the process of contesting a traffic ticket in NC by pleading “not guilty” to your traffic misdemeanor. Once the corresponding traffic violation court schedules a trial, you may begin preparing your defense.
For a successful traffic ticket defense, you generally need to gather any relevant evidence or contact witnesses that may testify on your behalf. If you are unable to hire an attorney to help you win your case, the court may appoint one for you. However, court-appointed lawyers usually have large caseloads and may not be able to give your case the attention it requires.
Fortunately, you may find affordable traffic ticket lawyers relatively easily online. Drivers who win their traffic ticket case generally avoid paying the allotted fines and additional fees, any negative changes on their driving record or increases in auto insurance premiums.
Dismissal of Charges in North Carolina
If you have received a North Carolina traffic ticket, but do not have the means to settle your case by paying the allotted fines, then pay attention to the details listed on the form. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets based on any incorrect information included in your ticket, such as the date and time of your violation.
Certain traffic violation courts in NC may also allow motorists to dismiss their charges by completing a traffic school course. Contact the appropriate court to check whether they offer such option for dismissal.
Lost Tickets in North Carolina
To finalize the procedures of paying driving fines or challenging citations, drivers must provide the details listed on the form. The fastest way to retrieve lost NC traffic citation information is by utilizing the state’s online citation query.
Since the online provider may not offer enough details, motorists can either contact the North Carolina traffic violation court handling their case or the NC Administrative Office of the Courts for more information pertaining to their ticket.