Resolve Traffic Debt NC

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

Resolve Your Debt

This page is to provide you with information and resources that may help you resolve traffic debt that has caused the suspension or revocation of your North Carolina driving privilege for unpaid fines, fees, or costs. 

The information on this page does not constitute legal advice and none of the organizations or individuals responsible for the creation or maintenance of the website will provide legal advice or legal representation. If you are seeking legal advice or legal representation, please contact an attorney licensed to practice law in North Carolina.

The information on this page does not constitute legal advice and none of the organizations or individuals responsible for the creation or maintenance of the website will provide legal advice or legal representation. If you are seeking legal advice or legal representation, please contact an attorney licensed to practice law in North Carolina.

About Suspended Driver’s Licenses

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 250,000 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. 

If your driver’s license is suspended or revoked for traffic debt, there are steps you can take to deal with the suspension. 

  1. First, you must figure out which traffic ticket(s) has traffic debt attached to it (i.e., which county the ticket is in and the case number). 
  2. Then, you can take steps to deal with the suspensions, such as payment of the debt or showing the court that sentenced you that you cannot afford to pay the ticket. You must handle all the suspensions on your license and pay the North Carolina DMV’s restoration fee, if it applies, before you can reinstate 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.