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Resolve Traffic Debt NC

Resolve Traffic Debt NC

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

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Advocacy

About

In North Carolina, a driver’s license is automatically suspended for traffic debt that is not paid or resolved by a set deadline. For example, if a person went to court and pled to a traffic ticket but was unable to pay the resulting costs and fine, the court sends notice to DMV and DMV revokes the person’s driver’s license (or privilege to drive if he or she never had a NC driver’s license). Because of this, more than 322,000 drivers in North Carolina have suspended driver’s licenses for unpaid traffic fines and fees. Not having a driver’s license can create barriers to opportunity by making it hard to get a meaningful job or affordable housing. It can also make it hard to attend doctor’s appointments or care for family members. Low-income families and families of color are disproportionately affected by driver’s license suspensions based on traffic debt. 

Our Work

Advocates, directly impacted people, and concerned citizens are working to improve North Carolina’s driver’s license suspension law. Efforts include working with the district attorney’s office to eliminate traffic debt leading to long term driver’s license suspension, planning and conducting legal clinics, and advocating  to change state law to eliminate or reduce debt-based driver’s license suspension.

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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.

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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.
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Thank you for visiting ResolveTrafficDebtNC.org. Every year, thousands of North Carolinians lose their driver’s licenses simply because they can’t afford to pay court debt.

Your story can help change this. By sharing your experience, you can help us push lawmakers to pass legislation that ends debt-based license suspensions.

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