Criminal & Traffic Division 828-678-5703  PAYING A TRAFFIC CITATION              In North Carolina, the General Assembly together with the Conference of Chief District Court Judges has established a system which allows certain types of minor traffic violations to be paid without the necessity of appearing in Court.  However, paying a citation without the advice of an attorney or first checking with your insurance company may have some serious consequences.  For example, in most cases the payment of a citation may result in points being assessed against your driver’s license and your insurance premiums may also be increased by your insurance company.  Generally, if you will appear in court on the morning of your citation and speak with the Assistant District Attorney prior to the opening of court, he or she may be able to reduce your citation to an offense that will not generate insurance points and that may reduce the number of driver’s license points that will be assessed by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.              Some traffic citations require a mandatory court appearance and cannot be paid off before your court date. (e.g.  Driving While Impaired, Speeding In Excess of 15 MPH over the posted speed limit). If you fail to appear then an Order for your Arrest may be issued and your driving privilege may be suspended by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.              If you wish to pay your citation prior to Court you may do so by coming to the Clerk of Superior Court’s office located on the first floor of the Yancey County Courthouse in Burnsville.  Payment will be accepted in cash, money order or certified check.  You may also mail your payment to the following address: Yancey County Clerk of Superior Court Yancey County Courthouse Room # 5 110 Town Square Burnsville, NC  28714              If you have questions concerning the payment of your citation or if you are unsure about whether your citation is one which may be paid without a court appearance you may call our office at 828-678-5700. Click Here for Criminal Forms