A North Carolina traffic citation may have consequences and should not be ignored. You have options to dispute or deal with traffic tickets and violations.
Motorists who want to prove their innocence can contest traffic citations in court. If they pay the ticket, they automatically plead guilty to the alleged violation.
If you choose to fight the ticket, you must notify the presiding court and enter a not guilty plea within the specified time. The court will then set a trial date.
Paying the ticket is a waiver of the trial and an admission of guilt. Payment must be done timely. Failure to pay fines within the specified deadline or appear in court can lead to suspension of your driver’s license and additional fines.
Points may be placed on your driving record for a guilty plea or verdict. Once drivers acquire seven points, they may have to attend a driver improvement clinic to earn a three-point deduction. Your driver’s license will be suspended after the accumulation of 12 points within three years. The suspension’s length depends on the number of earlier offenses committed by the driver.
Three points are acquired for failing to provide proof of liability insurance or operating through a safety zone. Four points are placed on the record for unlawful passing and reckless driving. Aggressive driving adds five points.
Waivable violations allow motorists to settle their case without a court appearance. These include driving too slowly which is punishable by a $25.00 fine, failure to show a valid North Carolina driver’s license or driving on an expired credential which has a $25.00 fine, lane violations with a $50.00 fine and speeding in a school zone or school property that has a fine of $50.00.
A driver’s auto insurance premiums may increase after being found guilty, admitting guilt, or failing to show up in court. Insurance companies also consider driving history when negotiating policy terms and may charge high insurance rates.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has more serious consequences. These include license revocation, higher fines and even imprisonment.
An attorney can provide options concerning a traffic citation which may depend on a driver’s history, the seriousness of the offense, finances, and their work requirements. Lawyers can you pursue reasonable solutions.