Facing a traffic violation can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Several factors can affect your decision to contest or waive the offense. For many, the uncertainty of a court decision and a desire to avoid attending court are compelling reasons to choose the latter.
Effects and benefits of waiving a ticket
You choose to handle your case without going to court by waiving your traffic offense. Waiving involves:
- Paying the fine and court costs in full before your court date
- Giving up your right to contest the ticket, even if it’s wrongly cited
- Accepting points on your driving record
Law enforcement officers typically note whether the offense is waivable on the ticket. Traffic offenses that require court appearances include felonies and driving while impaired. Why offer to waive some infractions? By doing so, the state can:
- Reduce court congestion and streamline the settlement process
- Collect state revenue
- Save time for drivers who receive a ticket
Knowing which offenses are waivable can inform you in your pursuit of a quick resolution to your case.
Types of waivable offenses
There are several types of waivable traffic violations in North Carolina, such as:
- Speeding violations: Includes speeding over the 55 mph limit but not exceeding 80 mph, speeding in school or work zones and driving too slowly
- Equipment violations: Includes driving with a broken headlight, missing or malfunctioning seatbelts, improper license plates or no child restraint system.
- License violations: Includes driving without a license or with an expired license
- Parking and towing violations: Includes illegal parking in a handicapped space or private lot
- Height, length and width violations: Includes violations of motor vehicle combination limitations
- Other violations: Includes texting while driving, vehicle registration violations, improper turns, lane violations, littering and failure to yield or stop
Fees for these waivable violations range from $5 to $500 plus additional costs. However, you may want to consider the possible long-term costs and legal consequences of points on your driving record. Accumulating points can result in higher insurance rates and potential license suspension.
If you’re looking to determine legal strategies against a traffic violation and ensure your driver’s rights are protected, consulting a traffic violation attorney is advisable.