Search Asheville Traffic Court Records
Asheville traffic court records are filed at the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Asheville draws millions of visitors each year and sees a steady flow of traffic cases through its courts. The Buncombe County Courthouse at 60 Court Plaza houses both District Court and Superior Court, with traffic cases handled primarily on the fourth floor in District Court. Asheville joined the eCourts system as part of Track 5 on July 22, 2024.
Asheville Quick Facts
Get Asheville Traffic Court Records
The Buncombe County Courthouse is a multi-story building at 60 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Traffic cases are heard on the fourth floor, where District Court sessions take place. Superior Court sits on the fifth floor and handles felony cases and appeals from District Court. The Small Claims division operates from the first floor. All three court levels share the same building, which makes it easy to find the right office when you visit.
| Court | Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 60 Court Plaza Asheville, NC 28801 |
| Phone | (828) 259-3400 |
| Criminal/Traffic | (828) 259-3410 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The courthouse is in the heart of Asheville, close to Pack Square and within walking distance of several public parking garages. Street parking is limited and metered. The Asheville Transit system runs bus routes near the courthouse. Security checks all visitors at the entrance, so allow extra time on traffic court days.
Access Asheville Traffic Court Records
The Buncombe County District Attorney offers several online services for traffic citations in Asheville. These tools let you handle parts of your case without visiting the courthouse. The online portal allows you to pay a citation, request a charge reduction, submit compliance documents, or request a dismissal. You can also upload documents through the portal.
Requesting a continuance is also available online. This lets you postpone your court date if you need more time. The system walks you through each step and tells you what you need to submit. Not all traffic cases qualify for online processing, so check the portal to see if your citation is eligible.
The City of Asheville also provides information about paying traffic fines through its website. Visit ashevillenc.gov for details on city-issued fines and fee payments. For court-related payments, use the eCourts portal at nccourts.gov instead.
Asheville Traffic Court Records
Asheville moved to the eCourts system in July 2024 as part of Track 5. This means all new traffic cases filed after that date are in the statewide electronic system. You can search for cases by name or case number through the eCourts portal at no cost. The portal shows charge details, court dates, and case outcomes.
For older records filed before the eCourts launch, you may need to contact the clerk at (828) 259-3410. The criminal and traffic division can look up cases in the older system and provide information over the phone or in person. Copies of documents are available for a per-page fee.
In-person searches at the clerk office give you access to the full case file. You can review all documents, motions, and orders in a traffic case. The clerk staff can make copies on the spot. Bring the case number or the full name of the person you are searching for. Having the approximate date of the citation speeds up the search.
Work and School Zone Violations
Asheville and Buncombe County enforce strict penalties for speeding in work zones and school zones. A work zone speeding violation in Asheville carries a mandatory $250 fine on top of the standard court costs. School zone speeding also carries a $250 mandatory fine. These fines are set by state law and the judge has no power to reduce them.
Work zone signs are posted along construction areas on major roads in and around Asheville, including sections of Interstate 26 and Interstate 40. School zone speed limits are active during posted hours near Asheville City Schools and other schools in the area. Officers patrol these zones regularly.
These enhanced fines make work zone and school zone tickets more costly than standard speeding citations. If you receive one of these tickets in Asheville, appearing in court or hiring an attorney may help with the underlying charge, but the mandatory fine portion stays the same regardless of the outcome.
Buncombe County Court Programs
Buncombe County operates several specialty court programs in Asheville. While most of these do not handle routine traffic tickets, some may apply to drivers charged with more serious offenses. The county has a DWI Treatment Court for repeat impaired driving cases. This program provides structured treatment and monitoring as an alternative to standard sentencing.
The county also runs Drug Treatment Court, Veterans Court, and Mental Health Court. These programs serve defendants who meet specific criteria and agree to participate in treatment-based programs. A DWI charge from a traffic stop in Asheville could lead to a referral to DWI Treatment Court if the defendant qualifies.
Standard traffic violations like speeding, running a stop sign, or failing to signal do not go through these specialty courts. Those cases stay in regular District Court sessions on the fourth floor. Contact the clerk at (828) 259-3400 if you have questions about which court will hear your case.
Legal Resources for Asheville Drivers
Several resources are available for drivers dealing with traffic court in Asheville. The North Carolina Judicial Branch website at nccourts.gov has information on traffic court procedures, forms, and general guidance. Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Buncombe County residents at (866) 219-5262.
Private attorneys in Asheville often handle traffic cases on behalf of clients. An attorney can appear in court for you in most traffic matters and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge. The North Carolina State Bar referral service at 1-800-662-7660 can connect you with a local attorney.
Asheville sits at the crossroads of Interstate 26 and Interstate 40 in the mountains. Heavy tourist traffic, winding mountain roads, and seasonal weather all contribute to a steady stream of traffic citations. Whether you live in Asheville or received a ticket while passing through, the Buncombe County court system handles your case the same way.
Traffic Court Records in Asheville
Asheville is the county seat of Buncombe County. All traffic citations issued in Asheville are processed through the Buncombe County court system. The county court also serves Black Mountain, Weaverville, Woodfin, and other towns in the area. For complete details on the county court, fee information, and additional resources, visit the Buncombe County traffic court records page.