• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Resolve Traffic Debt NC

Resolve Traffic Debt NC

What you need to know to prevent or overcome debt-based North Carolina License Suspension

  • Home
  • Prevent Suspension
  • Overcome Suspension
  • Resources
  • FAQs
  • Advocacy
  • Español

Help with Driver’s License Suspension

What you need to know to prevent or overcome
debt-based North Carolina License Suspension

Which best describes why you are here?

I got a letter from NC DMV saying my driver’s license will be suspended. I want to prevent that from happening.

My NC driver’s license has already been suspended. I want to get it back.

I want to understand the North Carolina driver’s license suspension process better.

How can this website help me?
Did you receive a notice from the NC Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV) that says your driver’s license is scheduled to be suspended  because of an unpaid traffic ticket(s)? Is your driver’s license currently suspended  because of an unpaid traffic ticket(s)? If you answer ‘yes’ to either question, the information and resources on this website may help you keep or  get back your North Carolina driving privilege. Learn more.

Who runs this website?
This website is maintained by the North Carolina Justice Center. The information and resources on the page come from various sources, including the North Carolina General Statutes, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, and various North Carolina advocacy organizations working on the problem of driver’s license suspension.

How can this website help me?

One of the most common type of driver’s license suspension is for “Failure to Pay.” This type of suspension occurs when a driver does not pay or otherwise resolve a traffic ticket by the deadline. A suspension for an unpaid traffic ticket(s) is indefinite, meaning that it stays in place until the amount owed is paid or otherwise resolved.

If your driver’s license is at risk of being suspended or is already suspended or revoked for an unpaid traffic ticket(s), there are steps you can take to avoid or deal with the suspension(s).

  • First, you must figure out which traffic ticket(s) has an unpaid or otherwise unresolved debt attached to it (for example, which county the ticket is in and the case number).
  • Then, you can take steps to deal with or prevent the suspensions, such as payment of the debt or showing the court that you cannot afford to pay the ticket. If your driving privilege is already suspended, you must handle all the suspensions AND pay the NC DMV’s restoration fee, if it applies, before you can get back your driver’s license.

This resources and information page will help you navigate resolving your traffic-related criminal fines and fees.

Disclaimer

The information on the website is designed to give you general information and assist you in representing yourself in a court matter. Information is provided about what form may be used, how to fill it out, and where to file it. The information included on this website is not legal advice and is not a substitute for legal representation by an attorney. While you have the right to represent yourself in your legal matter, there are certain significant risks and responsibilities attached to that right. Be aware that people who represent themselves must follow the same rules as those represented by attorneys. Should you need additional assistance or forms that are not provided on this site, you may wish to consult an attorney. If you have specific questions regarding your case, call an attorney or legal services office before proceeding. Your use of this website, and any links or forms provided on the website, is at your own risk and without any warranties, promises or liability to the North Carolina Justice Center.

Copyright © 2025 · Resolve Traffic Debt NC · All Rights Reserved · Website by Tomatillo Design

Tell Your Story

Name(Required)
Optional
Max. file size: 10 MB.
Sharing Permission
Thank you for considering telling us about your experience with debt-based driver’s license suspension. The information or story you submit through this website may be published to a third-party, posted on social media or used as part of education campaign about driver’s license suspension in North Carolina. None of the organizations associated with this website will represent you in your efforts to restore your driver’s license or driving privilege.
Get Involved
Check all that apply
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Traffic debt shouldn't be a lifelong barrierSign Our Petition to End Debt-Based Driver's License Suspension

Take 5 seconds to tell our NC lawmakers to END debt-based driver's license suspensions.

Sign the Petition