Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Tickets

Whether you need to go to court for a speeding ticket in North Carolina depends on the severity of the ticket. In many cases, especially for minor ones, an attorney can represent you through a waiver, meaning you do not have to appear in court personally.

Having legal representation can save you time and reduce stress, especially if your ticket can be resolved without your presence.

In North Carolina, speeding tickets can sometimes be dismissed, but it is more common for them to be reduced. 

The possibility of dismissal usually depends on the specific circumstances of the case, such as errors on the ticket or a strong legal defense.

Some traffic tickets can be dismissed, but it depends on the charge and the prosecutor.

What Factors Affect Dismissal?

• The Charge Itself: Certain violations, like failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident, may be dismissed if you can show proof that your insurance is covering the damage.
• Prosecutor Policies: Each prosecutor has different rules. In Wake County, for example, speeding tickets are rarely dismissed but may be reduced to "improper equipment" under strict conditions.
• Legal & Local Knowledge: A skilled traffic attorney who understands local court policies can find the best strategy to minimize or avoid penalties.

At Kurtz & Blum, we use our legal experience and local insight to negotiate the best possible outcome—whether that’s a reduction, dismissal, or another option that helps protect your license and insurance rates.

A Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) is not the same as a dismissal.

A PJC means you are found guilty, but the court does not enter a conviction. When used correctly, it can prevent fines, driver’s license points, and insurance rate increases. However, PJCs have limitations and may not always be the best option.

Key Things to Know About PJCs:

• Limited Use: You can use only two PJCs every five years for a standard Class C driver’s license.
• CDL Holders Get No Benefit: If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a PJC won’t help with speeding tickets.
• Insurance Policy Limits: A PJC can be used only once every three years per insurance policy. If someone else on your policy has used one recently, yours won’t prevent a rate increase.

Many drivers assume a PJC will help, but in some cases, it can actually hurt. A skilled traffic attorney will check your record and explore all options before using a PJC—because they are limited, they should be treated as a valuable resource.

An “Improper equipment” is a non-moving violation that does not add points to your DMV record or impact your insurance rates. This means you won’t face an increase in insurance premiums or risk a license suspension.

Attorneys often recommend seeking an improper equipment reduction because it’s a much better alternative to a moving violation, especially when trying to protect your driving record and insurance costs.

It depends on the type of violation. Offenses—such as speeding, reckless driving, or DWI—can lead to significant rate hikes.

Your driver’s license may be suspended if you accumulate 12 or more points within three years. If your license has been recently reinstated after a prior suspension, the threshold is lower—only 8 points within that time frame.

Accumulating points from traffic violations can add up quickly, so it’s essential to be mindful of your driving record to avoid suspension.

If you ignore a traffic ticket in North Carolina, your driver’s license will be suspended indefinitely. Failing to address the ticket or missing a court date can result in additional penalties, including fees and possible arrest.

Consulting a traffic attorney can help you resolve the issue and protect your driving privileges.

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a serious offense with severe consequences.

If caught, your license could be revoked for an additional year—even if your original suspension was only 60 days. Police officers can easily detect a suspended license by running your plate, leading to a traffic stop and additional charges.

If your license is suspended or revoked, don’t risk it. Contact us to explore options for restoring your driving privileges or obtaining a limited driving privilege during your suspension.

A limited driving privilege allows certain drivers with a suspended license to drive for specific purposes, as approved by the court. These may include:

• Court-ordered treatment or assessment
• Court-ordered community service
• Medical emergencies

Not everyone qualifies, and the process can be complex. Our experienced attorneys can determine your eligibility and, if available, help you take the necessary steps to regain limited driving privileges.

Paying a traffic ticket might seem like the easiest option—but it can cost you much more in the long run.

Why Paying a Ticket Can Be a Mistake:

• Points on Your Driving Record – Most traffic violations add points to your record, leading to higher insurance rates.
• Compounding Costs – Another ticket within three years could increase fines and insurance rates even more.
• Risk of License Suspension – One serious violation (like driving 15+ mph over the speed limit) can trigger an automatic 60-day license suspension.
• Legal Complications – Once a ticket is handled incorrectly, fixing the problem can become complicated and expensive.

An experienced traffic attorney can review your driving record and find the best way to handle your ticket—often avoiding points, fines, or even dismissal.

Yes, you can pay your traffic ticket online in North Carolina. The state offers an online payment system via Wake County’s Online Court Portal. Once you access the link, you should follow these steps:

1. Click make payment
2. Enter your case number below, which will show you the court costs
3. Select your case and click continue
4. Agree to the terms and click Add Payment Details
5. Submit payment