North Carolina Traffic Law FAQs
With constantly changing laws and statutes, it can be difficult to keep up with the minutia of North Carolina traffic law. Luckily, the experts at Wentz Law Firm have the answers you need to stay up-to-date with current trends and changes. We’ve come up with answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions and misunderstood policies so you know exactly where you stand.
What does the term “waivable offense” mean?
In North Carolina, a waivable offense is something that you don’t necessarily handle in court. Instead, relatively minor matters, like a first-time speeding offense, can be settled in advance simply by the payment of a fine.
Does it matter which part of the state you get your traffic ticket in, or are the fines the same?
Across North Carolina, the fines associated with traffic offenses and court costs are the same. When you are issued a ticket and contact your lawyer, he or she should be able to work with you on a payment schedule for any separate law fees, but the state will charge the same amount for similar offenses, regardless of where in the state they were noted.
How many points accumulated on your record would result in license suspension?
The state specifies that if you garner 12 or more points for traffic offenses on your driving record over a period of three years or more, your license could be suspended. The suspension period varies depending on your offenses, but you do have options for reinstating your license as quickly as possible.
What if you can’t afford to pay off a traffic citation charge right away?
Depending on the county in which you were ticketed, deferral programs vary. As with any other county, however, you’ll need to consult with a lawyer or reach out to the District Attorney’s office for New Hanover or Pender county if that’s where you received the traffic citation.
Should you just pay the traffic ticket, or is it better to consult a lawyer right away?
While it is convenient to be able to pay off a traffic ticket without the input of an attorney, you usually end up paying more than you actually need to. By hiring a lawyer to represent you, it’s possible to get the fees reduced, and sometimes even dropped. The decision to bring on legal advisement usually depends on your previous driving record, but ultimately it never hurts to seek the advice of an expert when in doubt.
Here at Wentz Law Firm, we work with you to resolve your traffic citations as quickly and efficiently as possible, so you can get back on the road in a timely manner. If you or someone you know is in need of representation or legal advice for combatting a ticket, contact us and find out how we can help.