Orange County Traffic Ticket Records

Orange County traffic ticket records are filed at the Clerk of Superior Court in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The clerk handles all traffic cases for Orange County District Court. Hillsborough is the county seat, and the main courthouse is at 106 E. Margaret Lane. Orange County also has court facilities in Chapel Hill and a Historical Courthouse in Hillsborough. The Chapel Hill Magistrate's Office accepts certain citation payments. This page covers how to search, pay, and get copies of traffic ticket records in Orange County.

Orange County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court manages all traffic ticket records in Orange County. This office stores case files, takes payments, and provides copies. Staff can look up your case by name or citation number. The main office is at 106 E. Margaret Lane in Hillsborough.

Orange County has three court facilities. The main courthouse in Hillsborough handles most traffic cases. The Chapel Hill Courthouse serves that part of the county. The Historical Courthouse in Hillsborough is also part of the court system. If you got your ticket closer to Chapel Hill, the Chapel Hill Magistrate's Office may be able to accept your citation payment. Call the clerk to find out which location handles your case.

The court page on the NC Judicial Branch site shows all three locations and services for Orange County.

Visit that page for hours, directions, and links to online services.

Court Facilities in Orange County

Orange County has three court facilities. The main courthouse is at 106 E. Margaret Lane in Hillsborough. This is where most traffic ticket cases are heard. The clerk office is here. Free three-hour parking is available on E. Margaret Lane.

The Orange County courthouse in Hillsborough is shown below.

The main courthouse handles the bulk of traffic cases for Orange County.

The Chapel Hill Courthouse serves drivers on the south side of the county. The Chapel Hill Magistrate's Office can accept certain citation payments. This is helpful if you live in Chapel Hill or Carrboro and do not want to drive to Hillsborough.

The Chapel Hill facility is shown below.

Call (919) 644-4500 to confirm which location handles your traffic ticket before you visit.

Note: Bags and purses are not allowed in the Orange County courthouse. Leave them in your car. Security will not let you in with them.

Searching for Traffic Ticket Records in Orange County

You can search for Orange County traffic ticket records online or at either courthouse. Online searches are free for basic case data.

Go to nccourts.gov/services and use the case search tool. Enter a name or case number. The system shows charges, court dates, and status. For copies, contact the clerk at (919) 644-4500 or visit in person. Bring your ID. You can also check your court date online.

Paying a Traffic Ticket in Orange County

If your charge is waivable, you can pay without a court date. Orange County accepts payments at the main courthouse in Hillsborough and at the Chapel Hill Magistrate's Office for certain citations.

Payment methods:

• Online through the NC eCourts payment system
• In person at the Hillsborough courthouse
• At the Chapel Hill Magistrate's Office for certain tickets
• By mail with a money order or cashier's check

Online payments need your citation number and last name. The system takes cards. In-person payments accept cash, money orders, and cards. Mail payments go to 106 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Include your case number. Unpaid fines lead to extra fees and possible license revocation under N.C.G.S. § 20-24.1.

Traffic Court in Orange County

Traffic court is held at the main courthouse in Hillsborough. Your court date is on your ticket. Verify it at nccourts.gov/court-dates. Missing your date leads to a failure to appear, a $200 fine, and possible license revocation.

On your court date, you plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. You can hire a lawyer. A reduced charge means fewer points with the NC DMV. Under N.C.G.S. § 20-16, 12 points in three years leads to a suspension. Speeding carries two or three points. Reckless driving under N.C.G.S. § 20-140 carries four. DWI under N.C.G.S. § 20-138.1 is criminal. The result goes into your traffic ticket record in Orange County.

Obtaining Orange County Traffic Ticket Records

Traffic ticket records in Orange County are public. Anyone can request copies. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost more.

Visit the clerk at 106 E. Margaret Lane in Hillsborough or mail a written request. Include the case number or full name and a check or money order for the fees. Basic case data is free at nccourts.gov.

Note: Remember that free three-hour parking is available on E. Margaret Lane in front of the courthouse. Plan your visit so you have enough time.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Orange County. Traffic ticket records are filed where the ticket was issued.