North Carolina Driving Records

A North Carolina driving record offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's driving history within the state. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV) facilitates access to driving records through various channels.

A typical North Carolina driving record includes:

Personal information
Traffic violations
Convictions
Accidents
Driver control actions

The North Carolina General Statute Section 20-43.1, along with the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), governs the release and use of driving records. These laws ensure that personal information is handled appropriately and accessed only for legitimate purposes.

North Carolina driving records serve as a valuable resource for understanding an individual's driving history, whether for personal use, employment purposes, or legal matters. These records promote safer driving practices by providing transparency and accountability on the roads.

Types of Driving Records Available in North Carolina

In North Carolina, access to a driver's history is available through a variety of driving record reports. These reports serve different purposes and the type needed often depends on who's requesting it. A key distinction exists between certified and non-certified records.

Certified records bear an official seal and are typically required for legal or official purposes. Non-certified records, on the other hand, lack this seal and are generally used for personal or informational purposes.

The primary types of driving records available in North Carolina include:

Certified True Copies

This type of record is considered a complete and official representation of a driver's history. It includes detailed information about convictions, traffic violations, accidents, license status, and points accumulated. Certified true copies are often necessary for court proceedings, employment verification, or insurance purposes.

Complete Extract Copies

This record offers a detailed overview of a driver's history, much like the certified true copy, but without the official seal. It is suitable for personal records, insurance purposes, and employment screenings.

Limited Extract Copies

This type of record provides a more concise summary of a driver's history, typically focusing on the most recent three years. It may include information on convictions, accidents, and license status. Limited extract copies are often requested by employers conducting background checks or by insurance companies determining premium rates.

Residential History Record

This specialized record tracks an individual's residential address over time. It is primarily used to verify or meet residency requirements.

The cost of obtaining a driving record varies depending on the type. Certified true copies are $18, complete and limited extract copies are $12.75, and address history reports are $16.75.

How To Request a North Carolina Driving History Report?

Individuals in North Carolina can request their driving history abstract through several convenient methods, each catering to different needs and preferences.

Online Requests

The fastest and most convenient method for most drivers is to request their records online. This can be done through the NC DMV’s' online service, PayIt. To initiate a request, the following will be needed:

The license holder's full name
Date of birth
North Carolina driver's license or ID card number
Social Security Number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or U.S. Visa number
A valid payment method

Note that out-of-country certification documents and certified driving records requiring a raised seal cannot be obtained online. Up to ten driving records can be requested in one online transaction, each incurring a $3 transaction fee plus a 1.85% card processing fee.

Mail-In Requests

To request a driving record by mail, individuals must complete the Driver Record Request Form (DL-DPPA-1) and mail it along with payment to:

NC DMV

Driver License Records Unit

3113 Mail Service Center

Raleigh NC 27697-3113

If requesting more than five driver records, the Official Driver Record Request Form Continuation Sheet (DL-DPPA-1A) must also be included.

Unlike online requests, the $3 transaction fee is waived for mail-in requests. However, allow up to ten business days for processing from the time the DMV receives the request.

In-Person Requests

Alternatively, individuals can visit one of two vehicle registration offices in person to request their driving history. These offices are located at:

Raleigh Central Services/License Plate Agency: 4121 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC 27616
Huntersville License Plate Agency: 12101 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville, NC 28078

In-person requests necessitate the presentation of identification and payment. Requests for five or fewer records are usually fulfilled immediately, whereas larger requests might necessitate mailing and additional processing time.

Uses of North Carolina Driving Records

The North Carolina DPPA safeguards the personal information found in driving records from unauthorized access and use. Individuals requesting driving records must certify that their intended purpose aligns with the law. Driving records can be legally requested and utilized by various entities for purposes such as:

Personal Use

Drivers have the right to request their own driving records. This may be for personal review to track their driving history, identify any potential errors, or for providing to insurance companies when seeking coverage.

Numerous motor vehicle-related activities require access to driving records. These include investigations into vehicle theft, verifying compliance with emission standards, handling product recalls, and conducting market research for the automotive industry.

Legal Proceedings

Driving records can be used as evidence in various legal contexts. This applies to civil cases, criminal prosecutions, administrative proceedings, and even arbitration.

The information in driving records can play a crucial role in proving or disproving allegations related to driving behavior.

Legitimate Business Use

Businesses also have legitimate reasons to access driving records. These include verifying the accuracy of personal information provided by customers or employees, preventing fraud, pursuing legal remedies against individuals or businesses, or collecting outstanding debts.

Research and Statistical Reports

Anonymized data from driving records can contribute to research and statistical reports. This is valuable for understanding driving patterns, identifying trends, and informing public policy.

However, strict rules apply to ensure no personal information is published or used to contact individuals, protecting privacy.

Insurance Purposes

Insurance companies routinely access driving records for various reasons. This includes investigating claims, identifying potential fraud, and underwriting policies. The driver's history influences the assessment of risk and the determination of premiums.

Other Authorized Purposes

Finally, there are a variety of other authorized purposes for accessing driving records. These include notifying owners of towed vehicles, activities conducted by private investigators or security services within legal boundaries, employer verification of commercial driver's licenses, and the operation of private toll facilities.

Understanding North Carolina Driving Laws

In North Carolina, driver's license requirements differ based on residency status, as outlined in the North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 20 Article 2.

Existing residents must hold a valid driver's license, which is subject to renewal and health checks. In contrast, new residents have 60 days to obtain a state license, potentially needing proof of identity, residency, and passing driving tests.

To ensure a secure driving environment, it is crucial to understand and abide by the state's key driving laws:

Parking and Headlights

Parking on highways is strictly prohibited. Headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise, during inclement weather requiring windshield wipers, or when visibility is limited to 400 feet or less.

Turns at Red Lights

After a complete stop, right turns on red are permitted unless otherwise indicated. However, turning left on red is not allowed.

Accidents and Reporting

Any accident involving death, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to law enforcement. Failure to do so can lead to prosecution and license suspension.

Move Over Law

When approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights, drivers must move over one lane if possible or significantly reduce speed.

Cell Phone and Texting

Drivers under 18 cannot use mobile phones while driving, except in emergencies. Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers.

Seat Belts and Child Safety

All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts. Children under eight years old and weighing less than 80 pounds must be in appropriate child safety seats.

Driving While Impaired

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Driving with a BAC at or above this limit results in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential imprisonment.

The Points System in North Carolina

In North Carolina, a points system tracks and addresses unsafe driving behavior. Driver's license points are assigned to an individual's driving record based on specific motor vehicle violations. Each traffic violation carries a corresponding number of points.

If an individual is convicted of a traffic violation in North Carolina, the associated points are added to their driving record. The accumulation of 12 or more points within a three-year period results in a license suspension.

Examples of Violations and Points

Some common violations and their point values include:

Speeding: 3 points (exceeding the speed limit by more than ten mph but less than 15 mph)
Reckless driving: 4 points
Driving while impaired: 12 points
Passing a stopped school bus: 5 points

Penalties for Accumulating Points

The length of license suspension increases with each subsequent suspension.

First suspension: 60 days
Second suspension: six months
Third or subsequent suspension: one year

If an individual's license has been reinstated after a previous suspension, accumulating just eight points within three years can lead to another suspension.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in North Carolina

Driving offenses in North Carolina fall into two distinct categories: criminal and civil. Understanding the differences between these categories is vital for any driver.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses are considered more severe and are classified as felonies or misdemeanors. They often involve actions that pose a significant risk to public safety or result in harm to others.

Examples of criminal driving offenses:

Driving under the influence (DUI)
Reckless driving
Hit and run
Fleeing or eluding a police officer

A conviction for a criminal driving offense carries serious consequences. These can include incarceration in jail or prison, substantial financial penalties, and the loss of driving privileges.

The severity of criminal driving offenses is exemplified by North Carolina General Statute Section 20-141.4(a2). This law highlights the serious consequences that can arise from even unintentional actions behind the wheel.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses, also known as traffic infractions, are less severe than criminal offenses. They typically involve violations of traffic laws that do not pose an immediate threat to public safety. Examples include:

Speeding
Running a red light or stop sign
Improper turns
Failing to yield
Following too closely

Civil driving offenses typically incur less severe penalties than criminal offenses. These include fines, points on one's driving record, and potential increases in insurance premiums.

Note that while civil driving offenses are less severe than criminal ones, accumulating too many points on the driving record can lead to license suspension.

North Carolina Driving Statistics and Goals

North Carolina is committed to improving road safety for all its residents and visitors. The state's DMV is at the forefront of this effort, working tirelessly to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

Unfortunately, like many other states, North Carolina has seen an increase in traffic fatalities in recent years. In 2021, there were 1,663 fatalities, a significant rise from the previous year. This upward trend continued in 2022, with 1,784 fatalities, marking the highest number in over two decades.

To combat this trend, the North Carolina Strategic Highway Safety Plan: Vision Zero aims for zero deaths from motor vehicle crashes. To achieve this ambitious goal, the DMV has set several key objectives:

Stricter enforcement of DUI laws and increased public awareness campaigns to reduce alcohol-related crashes.
Promoting seatbelt use and ensuring proper child restraint systems for protecting vehicle occupants in a crash.
Implementing speed management strategies and increasing enforcement efforts to help curb the dangers of excessive speed.
Graduated Licensing programs and targeted education to equip young drivers with the skills needed to navigate the roads safely.
Improving infrastructure to create safer environments for pedestrians.
Maintaining accurate and comprehensive traffic records for evaluating safety initiatives and making informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Driving Records

The following are a few of inquiries about the driving records in North Carolina:

How Long Do Points Stay on a North Carolina Driving Record?

Points remain on a North Carolina driving record for three years from the date of the offense.

Can Points Be Expunged From a North Carolina Driving Record?

Points cannot be directly expunged from a North Carolina driving record. However, attending a driver improvement clinic may reduce points. Upon successful completion of the clinic, three points are deducted from the record.

Can a Third Party Request a Copy of a North Carolina Driving Record?

The release of a personal record to a third party is possible with written consent from the individual whose record is being requested. The Release of Driver Record Form (DL-DPPA-2) must be completed and submitted along with the request.

Helpful Links and Resources

Here are a few helpful links for North Carolina drivers:

A list of NC DMV online services: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/online/Pages/default.aspx
Comprehensive information about traffic crashes in North Carolina: https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Documents/Crash%20Data%20and%20Information/2022.pdf
More information about North Carolina Strategic Highway Safety Plan Update: https://connect.ncdot.gov/groups/echs/Documents/2024/2024%20NC%20SHSP.pdf

Counties in North Carolina

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in North Carolina
How To Request a North Carolina Driving History Report?
Uses of North Carolina Driving Records
Understanding North Carolina Driving Laws
The Points System in North Carolina
1. Examples of Violations and Points
2. Penalties for Accumulating Points
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in North Carolina
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
North Carolina Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources