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North Carolina Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: If I have insurance and I don’t have a drivers license is it ok to drive my car for personal use in North Carolina

Because I was under the impression that I was able to operate a motor vehicle without a license

Raymond Allen Hayes II
Raymond Allen Hayes II
answered on Mar 10, 2025

No.

§ 20-35. Penalties for violating Article; defense to driving without a license.

(a) Penalty. - Except as otherwise provided in subsection (a1) or (a2) of this section, a violation of this Article is a Class 2 misdemeanor unless a statute in the Article sets a different...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: Should I mention a traffic ticket with PJC on my N-400 application?

I am filling out the N-400 application for naturalization. I received a traffic ticket for unlawfully passing a public service vehicle in October 2023, which resulted in a Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC). I have not had any other traffic violations or legal infractions. In the "Criminal... View More

Barbara Vega
Barbara Vega
answered on Feb 25, 2025

Hi! Yes, this will not disqualify you for naturalization but you should disclose this and any other citations, arrests, fines etc. You should get the certified copy of this record by requesting it to the court. Do not send the original if applying by mail but keep it for your interview. If you have... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Car Accidents and Insurance Defense for North Carolina on
Q: I got a citation for "Operate a motor vehicle on a street or highway without decreasing speed as necessary to avoid

Collision, and I looked it up and this is considered a criminal offense and I don’t know what this means for me or what I should do for my situation. I was not speeding and did attempt to stop, I was not on my phone and my insurance app shows that and I was not intoxicated. I attempted to brake... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 9, 2024

A North Carolina attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. In terms of your question on what to do, reach out to attorneys without further delay to discuss, which you've probably done by now. In terms of specific guidance, an attorney is probably going to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: If I got my first speeding ticket for going 38 in a 25mph can I possibly plea it down to improper equipment?

I have never used this and have been a great driving record.

Neubia Harris
Neubia Harris
answered on Jul 2, 2024

It is possible that an Assistant District Attorney will plead this down to improper equipment. You should have a copy of your driving record with you when you go to your first appearance. If it is clean, and you have had no other traffic infractions, you are more likely to get the remedy you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: If you lost your license due to 2 traffic tickets and never took care of it how do you fixand are there warrants for you

Adult son has two driving violations from 2018 and 2019. He lost his license and never took care of it in court. He’s been out of state and wanting to fix this. How does he go about fixing these? The cases are marked as dismissal by leave, but I can’t find any fines or anything else.... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 1, 2024

He needs to contact the Courts and determine what the status of the tickets is. They have websites now, he can put in the citation numbers and find out. This is what happens when you don't take care of tickets, in the computer age, computers never forget. He could hire a traffic ticket... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for North Carolina on
Q: In April I was involved in a rear end collision.

I was driving my FedEx truck and due to a sudden stop in traffic from a different accident up the road, I didn't stop in time. I made every effort to stop, giant skid marks and cameras prove that. FedEx trucks have inside cab cameras as well as external cameras. I still have my job because... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 1, 2024

This sounds like you were cited for a failure to stop. What you have described is a common occurrence on the roads, but it is the requirement that every driver operate their vehicle so that they can stop in time to avoid collision with other vehicles, objects and people. To me it sounds like you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for North Carolina on
Q: In April I was involved in a rear end collision.

I was driving my FedEx truck and due to a sudden stop in traffic from a different accident up the road, I didn't stop in time. I made every effort to stop, giant skid marks and cameras prove that. FedEx trucks have inside cab cameras as well as external cameras. I still have my job because... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 5, 2024

I hope you and the other people involved in the accident are all okay. Unless you adjourned the hearing, you already had it by now. I hope it went well. If the other vehicles eventually sue, FedEx or their carrier should be defending you in any ensuing action. Your duty would be to cooperate with... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: I was recently pulled over and given a careless driving ticket. The fine is 1,000, but I thought the maximum was 200
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In North Carolina, careless driving violations are subject to fines, and the amount can vary based on the circumstances of the offense. While the maximum fine for a careless driving ticket may indeed be $200 in some cases, it's crucial to recognize that certain factors can lead to increased... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for North Carolina on
Q: Will a warrant be issued for FTA due to traffic tickets in NC?

I received four traffic tickets from a single traffic stop in North Carolina for no insurance, no registration, a broken taillight, and a faulty passenger seat belt. I missed my court date and I'm concerned about a possible warrant for failure to appear (FTA). When I called the court, they... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 12, 2025

Based on your situation with the four traffic tickets in North Carolina, a warrant for your arrest is unlikely to be issued immediately. For traffic infractions that were charged by citation, North Carolina law requires the court to issue a criminal summons to appear rather than an order for arrest... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: How to resolve a warrant from a missed court date for a speeding ticket?

I received a speeding ticket while rushing to the hospital due to my mom's stroke. I have an improper equipment violation from 2018 on my driving record. I forgot my court date, and now there's a warrant for my arrest. How can I address this issue, and what steps should I take to resolve... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 12, 2025

It’s completely understandable that you were focused on your mom’s medical emergency—sometimes life takes over, and things fall through the cracks. The good news is that a missed court date for a traffic ticket can often be resolved, especially if you act quickly and respectfully. The first... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Traffic Tickets and Employment Law for North Carolina on
Q: How to avoid extended suspension for driving a work vehicle with a suspended license?

I was convicted of a DWI in June 2024 in North Carolina, which required me to have an interlock device and a limited driving permit. My suspension is set to end in November. Recently, I was pulled over while driving a work vehicle due to its dark window tint and subsequently cited for driving with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

You should start by gathering your limited permit and interlock paperwork, plus any written job‐related authorization from your employer, and bring those to your court date.

When you appear, explain that your limited permit explicitly covers driving for work and that you believed the work...
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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: How can I prevent citation impact on my limited permit after DWI conviction?

I was convicted of a DWI in June 2024 and required to install an interlock device in my personal vehicle while having a limited driving permit. My suspension is set to end in November. Recently, I was pulled over while driving a work vehicle due to its dark window tint and received citations for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

This is a delicate situation, but there are steps you can take to reduce the potential impact on your limited permit. Driving a work vehicle, even for legitimate job purposes, without the interlock device is still considered a violation of your permit terms—even if your personal car was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for North Carolina on
Q: How to handle traffic tickets while in federal prison with pending warrant? Need legal assistance in NC.

I've been incarcerated in federal prison since October 2023, and I received traffic tickets in September 2023, which have been pending ever since. In March 2025, a warrant was issued for these tickets, although the courts should have known of my federal custody status. I haven't received... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

This is a frustrating situation, especially when your federal incarceration is preventing you from addressing older charges that are now affecting your reentry timeline. If the warrant was issued after you were already in custody, the court should have been notified through proper channels, but... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: How to handle a speeding ticket in NC as a UK visitor?

I recently received a speeding ticket for going 24 mph over the limit in Rockingham, North Carolina, on April 14th. I'm visiting from the UK and have no prior traffic violations in the U.S. The officer mentioned I could pay the fine online if eligible, but I discovered I'm not eligible... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2025

Getting a speeding ticket while visiting from overseas can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to handle it without returning to North Carolina. Since your speed was 24 mph over the limit, the court likely requires a personal appearance because it may be considered a more serious offense under... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: Resolving a 2009 traffic case in NC with failure to appear issues.

I have a minor traffic case from 2009 in Cumberland County, NC, involving Statute 20-111(2), case number 09CR706953-250. I was working a traveling sales job when I got the ticket, but a week later, I was let go from the job and returned to TN without receiving any notice regarding a failure to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

To address the unresolved traffic case from 2009 in Cumberland County, North Carolina, your first step should be to contact the court handling your case. Since you were unaware of the failure to appear and missed notifications, explaining your situation to the court could help clarify things. They... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: First-time speeding ticket in NC affecting PA license, considering contest.

I received a speeding ticket in North Carolina while traveling 88 mph in a 70 mph zone. This is my first violation. I sped up initially to pass a swerving vehicle, which then attempted to merge into my lane again and nearly hit my car, prompting me to accelerate further in response. How might this... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

Getting a speeding ticket in North Carolina while holding a Pennsylvania license can still affect your driving record. Both states are part of the Driver License Compact, which means North Carolina will report the violation to Pennsylvania. In most cases, Pennsylvania will add points to your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: Is GS 20-34 citation classified as a misdemeanor?

I was cited under GS 20-34 today, and I am trying to understand if it is classified as a misdemeanor. I have no prior record. Could I get some guidance on this issue?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

I’m really glad you’re asking questions—it shows you’re taking the situation seriously and trying to understand what you’re facing. North Carolina General Statute § 20-34 covers the unlawful use of a driver’s license or ID, including using someone else’s license or allowing someone... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Traffic Tickets and Municipal Law for North Carolina on
Q: If i thought I lost my ID and got a replacement and lose the replacement/find the old one, is the old one still valid?

I am traveling tomorrow, and lost the replacement ID, but found my old one. They are both the exact same ID.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 11, 2025

A North Carolina attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. In such situations, the new ID usually replaces the old one. Although the timeline of your question has passed in terms of immediate travel, for future use, it would probably be best to present the new ID. Good... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Civil Litigation and Insurance Defense for North Carolina on
Q: I have dwlr 5 I believe along with no insurance revoked tag and wrong tag..low income with 12 year old son. Single mothe

Please help. Jan Jan 7th and 10th

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 25, 2024

A North Carolina attorney must advise here, but you await a response for two weeks and it looks like your hearing is around the corner. A starting point could be to look into whether you qualify for a public defender (state-appointed defense attorney, based on financial need), or to see if your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for North Carolina on
Q: What to do / say to an officer when pulled over? Anyone have a concise information sheet that can be kept in car?

I've seen lots of videos and articles on what to say/do or not say/do during traffic stops. But what I'm wondering is, does anyone have a concise sheet / summary of these basic instructions that could be kept in the vehicle so that I could actually... remember some of this advice?... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 21, 2024

When you’re pulled over, stay calm and pull over safely to the side of the road. Keep your hands visible, preferably on the steering wheel, and wait for the officer to approach. Avoid making sudden movements and follow the officer’s instructions carefully.

Provide your driver’s...
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