When will you get a warning ticket vs. traffic citation in NC? We asked law enforcement
Traffic tickets typically involve fines, mandatory court appearances and higher insurance rates – but sometimes officers may opt to issue a warning ticket instead.
According to North Carolina law, law enforcement officers can issue warning tickets when they deem the situation appropriate. These, unlike citations, don’t become a part of your driving record.
While issuing tickets is at the discretion of the officer, Master Trooper Christopher Casey of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol previously explained to The Charlotte Observer that citations are typically given only when there is a “clear cut, substantial violation of the law.”
He also said the likelihood of receiving a warning ticket depends on how serious the offense is.
Here’s what you could get a warning ticket for in North Carolina and whether it could go on your driving record.
When are warning tickets issued in NC?
Drivers stopped by highway patrol for minor infractions, such as traveling “eight or nine miles” over the speed limit or having expired tags could receive warning tickets, Casey said.
“Could you by the letter of the law be issued a citation for an expired tag? Yes,” said Casey. “But something of that nature can be issued a warning ticket, so that way you’ve been made aware and you can take care of it.”
When are traffic tickets issued in NC?
But Casey pointed out that drivers stopped for more serious violations, such as driving while impaired, will receive citations or be arrested.
“You’re definitely going to be charged for a DWI,” Casey said. “As far as reckless driving, if it’s something bad enough where it warrants a reckless driving charge, you’re not going to be receiving a warning ticket.”
Here are some other common offenses you could receive a citation for, according to Charlotte-based law firm Browning & Long:
- Speeding
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Driving without a valid registration
- Making an illegal U-turn
- Running a red light or a stop sign
- Violating North Carolina’s seat belt or child restraint laws
- Failing to have required liability insurance
- Failing to yield
- Following too closely
Do warning tickets go on your driving record in NC?
No, Casey said.
According to JD Power, unlike a traffic citation, getting a warning ticket means:
You won’t get fined.
You won’t have to appear in court.
Your insurance rates won’t change.
You won’t get any points on your license.
“Some police departments give out warnings instead of issuing citations because they want people to know what they did wrong and correct their behavior in the future without having any negative consequences on their records,” JD Power says.
Does law enforcement keep records of warning tickets in NC?
N.C. Highway Patrol does not keep records of warning tickets, Casey said.
But some law enforcement agencies around the country do keep track of warning tickets, ClickOrlando.com reported, and getting too many could lead to a traffic ticket the next time you get pulled over.
“If you get multiple warnings for the same offense within a certain period in the same jurisdiction, you could be issued an infraction or misdemeanor citation,” JD Power says. “So, even though a warning may not mean something serious initially, it could become a problem if you ignore it and don’t adjust your driving behavior accordingly.”
This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "When will you get a warning ticket vs. traffic citation in NC? We asked law enforcement."
