RALEIGH — North Carolina residents may now request reductions for speeding tickets online.

The service, offered through the state court system, allows motorists who meet eligibility criteria to potentially reduce and process speeding citations without having to appear in court.

“Online reductions of speeding tickets are more efficient and convenient (ways) to process the most commonly cited traffic offenses,” said Judge Marion Warren, director of the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts.

The online portal exemplifies the judicial branch’s commitment to providing broader and more convenient access to justice, a vision of Chief Justice Mark Martin, officials said.

Online reduction requests are part of a multiphase initiative to provide the public a simple means to resolve most waivable offenses online. They also enable the courts to efficiently process citations outside the courtroom.

For clerks and district attorneys, it means less paperwork, less data entry, and shorter lines in traffic court and courthouses across the state. For residents, it removes the hassle of taking off work and standing in line at the courthouse.

“I am excited to offer (motorists) … a fast and easy way to pay costs and fines without coming to court,” said Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams. “This resource should increase the timely resolution of traffic matters and provide a model for new online services to come.”

Drivers may make requests for reduction of speeding citations at least seven business days prior to the court date or check the status of pending requests with internet access. New language has been added to traffic citations to inform motorists about the option.

Additional statewide online services include requests for compliance and dismissal (license, registration and inspection compliance only) launched in July 2016. Online payments have been available since June 2010.