New Bern Traffic Ticket Attorney

Helping Clients with Traffic Tickets in New Bern, Havelock, and Throughout Craven & Pamlico Counties. 

Receiving a traffic ticket  in North Carolina can be a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be dealt with alone. At Chesnutt & Clemmons, our New Bern traffic ticket attorneys have years of experience representing clients and fighting against their fines, penalties, and the increased insurance rates that may come as the result of a conviction. Our goal is to provide guidance to help you navigate the legal process and favorably resolve your case. Before you pay off your speeding ticket or other traffic-related offense, call Chesnutt & Clemmons. 

We offer our legal services in English and Spanish. And if you do not live in the area, for certain matters, a waiver can be obtained so that you do not have to appear in court while we advocate on your behalf. If an appointment is needed, we regularly offer weekend appointments, and appointments in our Morehead City, NC office accommodate our client’s scheduling needs. 

Have you received a traffic ticket? Call Chesnutt & Clemmons today at (252) 300-0133 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our traffic ticket lawyers in New Bern. ¡SE HABLA ESPAÑOL!

Common Traffic Violations in North Carolina 

There are many violations that could result in a traffic ticket. A few offenses can include:

• Speeding ticket: Consequences for Speeding Tickets may be more serious than you think in North Carolina. Depending on the speed you are charged with, whether you’re in a school zone or work zone, and whether you are speeding in excess of 15 mph over the posted speed limit or are charged with a speed in excess of 80 mph, the fines and penalties can be much greater than expected. Not to mention the potential impact on your insurance rates for years to come. 
• Reckless Driving: This charge can be issued in addition to a speeding ticket and is a Class 2 misdemeanor, which could include penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, and increased insurance costs. Suspension of your driver’s license is also possible.
• Expired Registration Card/Tag: While not considered a moving violation by most insurances, this is a Class 3 misdemeanor that can result in fines and court costs and will show up on your background check in the future. Most officers will issue a citation, but in extreme cases, your car may be impounded or towed. 
• Driving While License Revoked, Non-Impaired Revocation: This is a Class 3 misdemeanor that includes a $200 fine and up to 20 days of jail time.
• Driving While License Revoked, Impaired Revocation: A different charge than the one referenced above, this is a Class 1 misdemeanor that can carry up to 120 days in jail, in addition to fines and penalties, and may also cause your license to be revoked for an additional period of one year for the first offense, two years for the second offense, and permanently for a third or subsequent offense.
• No Operators License: Driving without a valid driver’s license in your possession can result in fines, court costs, points on your driving record, and points on your insurance. This charge can occur in a number of circumstances, including failing to have your license in your possession while driving or being from another country and not possessing the necessary paperwork to drive in North Carolina. 
• No Insurance: Depending on whether you have been convicted of this offense previously, the potential punishments for driving without the required auto insurance can include a civil penalty of up to $150, a separate $50 reinstatement fee, potential jail or probation for up to 45 days, and suspension of your license plates and registration. 
• Window Tinting Violation: Having window tint that fails to meet the requirements under North Carolina Law is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
• Failing to yield: Failure to yield to motorists can result in a $35 fine. If you fail to yield to a pedestrian, the fine is raised to $100, and $250 if you fail to yield to an emergency vehicle. In addition, failure to yield to motorists or emergency vehicles adds three points to your driving record, and failure to yield to a pedestrian adds four points.
• Passing an emergency vehicle: This violation is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor and can come with a fine of up to $250.00.  This is different than passing a stopped school bus, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor in North Carolina which carries a minimum fine of $500.00 and maximum punishment of up to 120 days in jail.
• Failure to use seatbelts: Failure to use seatbelts results in a $25.50 fine and additional court costs.
• Provisional License: If you have a Provisional License, a conviction of moving violations, such as speeding tickets, can potentially result in the suspension of your Provisional License. Provisional Licensees already have increased auto insurance premiums, and the impact of a traffic ticket on these rates is reason enough to call us before you pay off a ticket.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): If you drive for a living, traffic citations can have an impact not only on your driving record and insurance rates but also on your ability to work. Don’t lose your job, and your CDL, by taking a traffic ticket too lightly. 
• Failure to Appear: If you are charged with a motor vehicle offense, your failure to appear may result in the revocation of your driver’s license indefinitely until the case is resolved and the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles may assess additional fees against you. In some cases, a failure to appear can result in an order for your arrest. If a cash bond was required and posted, the bond will be forfeited, and the N.C. DMV will treat your failure to appear as a conviction that may result in points against your driving and insurance records or license revocation.

What are the Penalties For Traffic Violations in NC? 

Depending on the severity of the violation, alleged offenders can face a variety of fines, jail time, and other license or auto insurance penalties. An accumulation of points from multiple traffic convictions can lead to suspension of your driving privilege. Be sure to consult with our New Bern traffic ticket attorney first before paying. If you pay your ticket, this means you plead guilty to the offense and can face severe ramifications. Working with our New Bern traffic ticket attorneys can help you lessen your fine or avoid it completely. 

Contact our New Bern traffic ticket lawyers at Chesnutt & Clemmons today!

North Carolina Traffic Violation FAQ

Will a traffic ticket affect my insurance rates?

Yes, traffic tickets can lead to increased insurance rates. By fighting the ticket and potentially having your traffic charges reduced or dismissed, you can minimize the impact on your insurance premiums.

What are the consequences of not paying a traffic ticket?

Not paying or ignoring a traffic ticket in NC can result in additional penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even arrest warrants. It is crucial to address traffic tickets promptly and seek legal assistance to resolve the issue.

How long do traffic tickets stay on my record?

The length of time a traffic ticket stays on your record varies depending on the violation and state laws. In North Carolina, most traffic violations remain on your record for three years. However, more severe offenses may have longer-lasting consequences.

Can I get a traffic ticket removed from my record?

In some cases, it is possible to have a traffic ticket removed from your record through processes such as expungement or by completing a defensive driving course. An experienced New Bern traffic ticket attorney can advise you on your options and help you pursue record-clearing solutions.