Whether you are visiting North Carolina for business or pleasure, receiving a traffic ticket there can be an unexpected and frustrating experience. You may wonder how a citation might affect your insurance as an out-of-state driver or if you even have to pay the ticket once you return home. If you want to contest the ticket and decide to hire an attorney for assistance, being aware of a few laws related to the state and its laws beforehand may be helpful.
Traffic Laws Apply to All Drivers
If you receive a ticket in North Carolina, you are subject to both local and state laws, no matter where you live. This includes a variety of tickets and offenses, which may include:
- Speeding
- Failure to wear a seatbelt
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Unsafe lane changes
You may be advised by the attending officer about how to pay your ticket, and failing to do so could cause you to incur penalties once you return home, even if you live in a state located thousands of miles away.
Non-Payment Could Affect Your Driving Record
If you choose to ignore a traffic ticket you received in North Carolina, it could have a negative impact on your driving record. Failure to pay the ticket or notify the court of your intent to contest the offense could cause North Carolina courts to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles in your own state and as a result, your license might be suspended. Handling your ticket as soon as possible can help you avoid these serious penalties.
States Often Share Information
You might decide to pay off your North Carolina traffic online to clear the charge; however, you may want to understand that payment is an admission of guilt and that the record may be transferred to your home state’s DMV, which could also punish you for the offense. If you choose to pay off the ticket, you may want to contact your local motor vehicle department to ask about its rules and regulations concerning out-of-state tickets.
Your Insurance May Increase
Because North Carolina reports traffic violations to other states, your insurance company may be notified of your ticket if you plead guilty and agree to pay the fine. If this occurs, you may see a rise in your insurance premiums. The amount of the increase will likely depend on the seriousness of the offense.
Receiving a traffic ticket in North Carolina can have a negative impact on your driving record and insurance, but there are ways to avoid the consequences. Speak to a speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA today to schedule an initial consultation and for further information.
Thanks to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for their insight into criminal law and traffic tickets in North Carolina.