How Does NC Handle Out-of-State Traffic Tickets? Why You Should Watch Your Speed if Traveling in NC

How does NC handle out-of-state traffic tickets? This is an important question to ask if you are a North Carolina resident. It is crucial to be mindful of all traffic signs and abide by the traffic laws while driving in the state. Having an unresolved traffic violation, such as a DUI or a violation of the move-over law, could lead to serious consequences. If you do receive a citation, you can attempt to have it dismissed or accept the consequences and pay the fine.

National Driver Register

All fifty states in the US are a part of the national driver register. The register maintains the records of all drivers who have had their driver’s license suspended or have had serious traffic violations in any state. This allows states an easy way to share traffic information. However, North Carolina is known as one of the most punitive states when it comes to enforcing traffic laws.

If you were to get a ticket in another state and then get pulled over in North Carolina, local law enforcement would be able to see your unpaid traffic citations. This could lead to a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. For example, if you get a speeding ticket in South Carolina, it could be reported to the North Carolina DMV and appear on your driving record.

Speeding in North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the strictest states in terms of speeding. It is very important for drivers to remain aware and cautious of all speed limits whenever driving in the state. Some of the most common driving violations include:

• Speeding above the posted limit. Even if you are speeding by one mile above the posted speed limit, it could lead to a ticket. Driving 15 mph over the speed limit or going 80 mph could result in a Class 3 misdemeanor.
• Speeding below the posted limit. In North Carolina, it is a violation for drivers to drive less than 40 mph while on a highway or interstate. Specifically, driving at or under 40 mph is illegal when the speed limit is 55 mph. When the speed limit reaches 60 mph, driving 45 mph or less is prohibited. These minimum speeds are enforced when posted on signs.
• Speeding in a work zone. Speeding in a work zone could result in substantial fines. If you go over the posted speed limit in a highway work zone, you could be fined $250.
• Speeding in a school zone. Speeding in a school zone could also result in serious fines as well as insurance points.

FAQs

Q: Does North Carolina Report Speeding Tickets to Other States?

A: North Carolina does report speeding tickets to other states. If you are driving in North Carolina and get cited for a traffic violation, the state will inform your state of residence if you do not respond to the ticket. If your home state is a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact, you could risk having your driver’s license suspended until the citation is resolved. If the violation remains unresolved, you may not be able to renew your license in your state.

Q: Can North Carolina Suspend an Out-of-State License?

A: North Carolina can suspend an out-of-state driver’s license. A driver’s license could be suspended by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles for certain traffic violations that occur outside of the state. If you have an out-of-state license, receive a traffic citation, and fail to appear for the ticket, the North Carolina DMV will notify your home state. Your home state may then suspend your license, revoking your privilege to drive.

Q: What Happens If You Don’t Pay a Traffic Ticket in North Carolina?

A: If you don’t pay a traffic ticket in North Carolina, then you risk having your driver’s license suspended or revoked. In typical cases, you have a certain time limit to pay your ticket. If you don’t pay the ticket within the timeframe, you must either demonstrate to the court that the failure to pay the ticket was not willful and that you are making an effort to pay it in good faith, demonstrate that the payment amount should be remitted, or pay the ticket in full.

Q: How Do I Get My Ticket Waived in North Carolina?

A: To get your ticket waived in North Carolina, you can either submit a request online, by mail, or appear in person in the county courthouse where you were cited for the ticket. You may also request to have your payment amount reduced. For certain offenses, such as an expired inspection, you may have success in having your ticket dismissed if you can prove that you have corrected the issue. For speeding or reckless driving, it may be harder to have them waived.

Q: What Is the Non-Resident Violator Compact?

A: The Non-Resident Violator Compact gives states the ability to enforce driving and traffic laws across state lines. It allows for a more standardized practice of how jurisdictions rule on traffic violations from state to state. For drivers and operators on the road, this means that a driver’s license suspended in one state could also be suspended in every other state that is a part of the compact.

Get the Legal Help You Need

It can be difficult to understand the legal ramifications of getting a ticket or having your driver’s license suspended. Every driver wants to avoid being pulled over for a routine traffic stop only to find that they have unpaid tickets in another state and could have their license revoked. If this ever happens to you, you may have many questions. You should consider speaking with an attorney.

At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, our legal team is ready and able to assist individuals with all matters related to traffic citations and driver’s license issues. With the help of our experienced legal team, you can have a better understanding of how traffic citations are handled in and out of the state of North Carolina. Contact us today to see how our team can support you.