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If you were visiting North Carolina or driving through the state and received a traffic ticket, it’s important to be aware that the ticket won’t go away once you return home. Not only can out-of-state tickets affect your insurance rates, but North Carolina is part of the Non-Resident Violator Compact which holds drivers accountable for their actions and traffic tickets in other states. This means if you receive a ticket for a traffic violation in one state, it may be reflected on your record as the same violation in the other states who have joined the compact.
The Non-Resident Violator Compact was formed in the 1970s and now includes 44 states across the country, as well as Washington D.C. It assists these jurisdictions with enforcing driving laws and holds motor vehicle operators responsible for the traffic tickets they’ve received in states they are visiting. Under the compact, a traffic violation that occurs in another state may affect a driver’s record in the same way an in-state violation would.
In the event you receive a violation in North Carolina but reside in another state, the compact allows you to be released on your recognizance – but you must still appear in court or pay the fine associated with the ticket. Since the state where the traffic ticket was issued doesn’t have the ability to get the driver to pay the fine, this is where the compact comes in. Ultimately, failure to address a traffic ticket will result in North Carolina sending notice to your state of residency, and your license could be suspended until the ticket is resolved.
A suspended driver’s license in one state is reflected as a suspended license in any of the jurisdictions that are part of the Non-Resident Violator Compact. If you ignore a ticket in one state, you may be unable to obtain a license in another. You might also have difficulty renewing your license until the outstanding ticket is resolved and your driving privileges have been restored.
If you live in North Carolina but received a traffic ticket in a different state, that jurisdiction will report the violation to North Carolina. Under NCGS § 20-23, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend your North Carolina driver’s license upon receiving notice of a conviction in another state for a variety of traffic offenses. Out of state convictions may appear on your North Carolina driving record, including the following violations specified by G.S. § 20-26(a):
Upon conviction of any of the above traffic infractions or violations, it’s essential to have the counsel of a knowledgeable attorney. They can advise you regarding the best course of action, help you fight the ticket, and protect your legal rights throughout the process.
If you have received a ticket in North Carolina as an out-of-state resident, you must resolve it and have your license restored before you can renew your license in your home state. If you don’t respond to the traffic ticket you were issued in North Carolina, the state will notify your home state if it is a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact.
However, just because you live out of state doesn’t mean you should simply pay the fine — this is the equivalent of pleading guilty to the violation. Paying a citation that you were issued in another state can result in a conviction that carries over to your home state, which means points on your license and negative consequences for your driving record. In such cases, it’s best to consult with an attorney who can advise you regarding your legal options, which may include a dismissal or a plea bargain.
You might not have to return to North Carolina if you received a traffic ticket in the state but live too far to come back to fight it. If you sign a waiver, a North Carolina traffic ticket attorney can appear on your behalf in your case. In addition to protecting your rights, they can help you resolve your case as swiftly as possible.
If you’ve received an out-of-state traffic ticket, it’s crucial to contact an attorney who can advise you of your rights and options. An experienced traffic ticket attorney can evaluate your case and fight the charges against you. The Johnston County traffic ticket attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law represent both residents and non-residents for a wide range of North Carolina traffic tickets. Call (919) 300-1249 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.
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