How Do I Request a Dismissal of a Traffic Ticket in North Carolina?

If you’ve recently received a citation, you might be asking yourself, “How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed in North Carolina?” The answer is yes; you can get tickets dismissed in certain circumstances. Dismissal can help you avoid points on your license, fines, and higher insurance rates. To proceed, you need to take action and fulfill the necessary qualifications while following the court requirements.

When Can a Traffic Ticket Be Dismissed in North Carolina?

It is not possible to get every traffic ticket dismissed. However, you have a better chance in certain circumstances. Tickets for expired registration, no insurance, and broken equipment may be dismissed if the problem is remedied and proof is submitted to the court. Some jurisdictions will also dismiss first-time traffic offenses, minor speeding violations, and tickets with mistakes written on the citation.

In some counties, you may get a ticket dismissed if you complete a driver improvement course or if you qualify for a Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC). It all depends on your driving history, the specific violation you were cited for, and the policies of the district attorney’s office where the ticket was issued.

Dismissal Through Proof of Correction

Some tickets may be dismissed if the violation is corrected and you provide proof to the court. For offenses such as expired registration, a lack of insurance, or an inoperative taillight, the court may dismiss your ticket if the offense has been remedied prior to the court date.

In these cases, you will need to show evidence that you have renewed your registration, acquired valid insurance, or repaired your taillight. A copy of the new registration card, insurance certificate, or repair receipt will be necessary. The evidence is usually given to the clerk of court or an assistant district attorney. Submitting proper documentation before the due date will greatly increase your chances of dismissal for these offenses.

Can Driving School Help Dismiss My Ticket?

Driving school in some North Carolina counties can result in dismissal or reduction of your ticket. Usually, only drivers with good records who received a ticket for a relatively minor speeding or moving violation may attend driving school as a method of resolving their traffic ticket.

If you are eligible, you will have to attend a state-approved driving or defensive driving course and show proof of completion by a specified date. Driving school can be a good option for avoiding points on your license and stopping an increase in your insurance rates.

Courts in many North Carolina counties do not offer this option for traffic tickets. Contact the clerk of court or the district attorney’s office in your county to determine if your ticket can be resolved through driving school.

Using a Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC)

A Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) is a special mechanism in North Carolina where you enter a guilty plea, but the court does not enter a formal judgment of guilt. The court may issue a PJC on certain traffic offenses, which can keep points off your license and possibly prevent insurance increases. You are limited to one PJC every three years per household for insurance purposes.

Not all offenses are eligible for PJC, and commercial drivers are typically not eligible to use a PJC. A PJC does not dismiss the charge but, instead, mitigates its long-term consequences. It can be a useful alternative when dismissal is not available, but you still want to minimize the impact on your driving record.

How to Request a Dismissal the Right Way

To request a dismissal, first read your ticket to find out the charge and court date. Next, decide whether you are eligible for dismissal. This could be demonstrated through showing proof of correction, completion of a driving school program, or a clean driving record. Call the district attorney’s office or clerk of court in the county where the ticket was issued to find out how to request a dismissal.

Collect any needed documentation, such as receipts or certificates, and submit them prior to or on your court date. Some counties even allow you to request a dismissal online. You may want to hire a traffic ticket lawyer, especially if you have multiple charges or a complex situation, to help increase your chances of a successful dismissal.

FAQs

Can I Get a Traffic Ticket Dismissed if I Fix the Issue?

In North Carolina, some traffic tickets can be dismissed if the violation is corrected and proof is submitted before the court date. This typically applies to non-moving violations such as expired registration, no insurance, or equipment issues. To be eligible, the problem must be fixed in a timely manner, and proper documentation must be provided.

While not all tickets qualify, courts often dismiss citations when the issue is resolved promptly, and the driver follows the correct procedure for showing proof.

Does Driving School Lead to a Ticket Dismissal in North Carolina?

Yes, ticket dismissal or reduction is available in some counties if you complete an approved driving school course. It’s usually available for minor offenses such as speeding. It’s also usually only available if you are a driver with a clean record. You need to request permission from the court or district attorney and submit a certificate of completion by the deadline. Driving school can help protect your driving record from points and can also prevent insurance rate increases.

Can I Request a Ticket Dismissal Online in North Carolina?

Yes, it is possible to ask for a traffic ticket to be dismissed or reduced online in some counties in North Carolina. This typically applies to non-moving violations and depends on eligibility and the nature of the offense. Check the county court’s website or the NC Courts portal for options. If eligible, you may upload proof of correction or a driving school certificate.

Will My Insurance Go Up if I Don’t Try for a Dismissal?

Yes, your insurance can go up if you don’t try for a dismissal and simply pay the ticket. In NC, if you pay a citation, it is considered a guilty plea. You can end up with license points and higher premiums. Even for a small violation, your insurance company can increase your rate. Fighting for a dismissal, reduction, or PJC can save your driving record and protect you from future unwanted financial headaches.

Contact LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC

Over 300,000 drivers were stopped for traffic violations in the first quarter of 2025 alone. If you’ve received a traffic ticket, taking quick action could lead to dismissal. Fix the issue, gather proof, and follow court instructions. LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, can help you protect your record and move forward confidently. Book a consultation with a traffic ticket attorney today.