Find Winston-Salem Traffic Court Records

Winston-Salem traffic court records are on file at the Forsyth County courthouse on North Chestnut Street. Winston-Salem is the county seat and the largest city in Forsyth County. All traffic cases from Winston-Salem go through the Forsyth County District Court. You can search for Winston-Salem traffic records online or visit the clerk in person. This page covers the full process for finding traffic court records in Winston-Salem.

Traffic Court Records in Winston Salem

Winston-Salem traffic cases are heard at the Forsyth County courthouse. The fifth courthouse building opened in 2023. It sits at 175 N Chestnut Street in downtown Winston-Salem. Clerk Denise Hines leads the clerk's office, which keeps all traffic court records for Winston-Salem and the rest of Forsyth County.

Like all cities in North Carolina, Winston-Salem does not have its own court. The state runs courts at the county level. So a traffic ticket from a Winston-Salem police officer goes through the Forsyth County system. The same court handles tickets from Kernersville, Clemmons, and every other town in the county.

Winston Salem Traffic Court Records

Use the NC eCourts portal to look up Winston-Salem traffic cases. Go to the eCourts portal and search by name or case number. Select Forsyth County from the list. The portal shows the charge, court date, and case status for Winston-Salem traffic records.

There is one thing to know about online searches for Winston-Salem traffic records. You must wait 10 to 14 days after you get a ticket before it shows up in the system. The data takes time to load. If you just got a citation in Winston-Salem and do not see it online, give it two weeks.

You can also visit forsythcountycourt.org or forsythclerk.com for local court information. These sites have details on court schedules, local rules, and how to contact the clerk about Winston-Salem traffic records.

Winston-Salem Traffic Record Copies

You can get copies of Winston-Salem traffic court records at the clerk's office. Uncertified copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies start at $5.00 plus $2.00 for each additional page. The clerk makes copies while you wait.

Go to Room 216 at the courthouse to ask for criminal and traffic record copies. Bring the case number or the full name of the person. The clerk will search the system and pull up the Winston-Salem traffic record. You can view the file for free. You only pay when you want paper copies.

Note: For certified copies, the clerk adds a seal and signature. These are the type you need if another court or agency asks for proof of a Winston-Salem traffic case outcome. Plain copies work for personal use.

Winston-Salem Mandatory Court Appearances

Some Winston-Salem traffic cases require you to appear in court. You cannot just pay the fine for these charges. The law says you must go before a judge. Missing a mandatory appearance creates a failure to appear on your Winston-Salem traffic record and can lead to an arrest warrant.

Charges that require a court appearance in Winston-Salem include:

• Reckless driving
• Speeding 24 or more miles per hour over the limit
• Cell phone use while driving (certain violations)
• Driving while impaired
• Driving with a revoked license

For these Winston-Salem traffic cases, show up at the courthouse on your court date. Check in with the clerk when you arrive. The judge will call your case during the session. If you want to talk to the DA about your options before court, get there early. The DA may be able to work out a deal on some Winston-Salem traffic charges.

Winston-Salem Court Programs

Forsyth County offers special court programs that may affect some Winston-Salem traffic cases. Veterans Court is one option for those who served in the military. Drug Court is another. These programs focus on treatment and support rather than punishment alone.

Not every Winston-Salem traffic case qualifies for these programs. They are mainly for cases that involve substance abuse or mental health issues. If you think a special court program fits your Winston-Salem case, talk to your attorney or the DA. The court record will show if your case was transferred to one of these programs.

The regular Forsyth County District Court handles the bulk of Winston-Salem traffic cases. Most traffic matters are straightforward. You appear, the judge hears the case, and a ruling goes into the record. The entire process can take less than an hour for simple Winston-Salem traffic cases.

Forsyth County Traffic Court Records

Winston-Salem is the county seat of Forsyth County. All Winston-Salem traffic cases are part of the Forsyth County court system. For more on county court rules, copy fees, and other record types, visit the county page.

View Forsyth County Traffic Court Records