"PJC" comes up often in conversations about North Carolina traffic tickets. This article offers a plain-language definition only. Whether a PJC is possible or appropriate in any case is a legal question decided by a judge — not something we can advise on. This is not a recommendation to take or not take any action.
Important: The Right Way is a private driving school — not a court, the NC DMV, or a law firm. This article is a general definition and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it to decide how to handle a case. For that, talk to a licensed North Carolina attorney or the court on your citation.
A general definition
A Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) is a long-standing concept in North Carolina law. In general terms, it refers to a situation where a person may plead guilty and ask the court to "continue" (not enter) a final judgment. Because a judgment is not entered, in some cases the matter may not be treated as a conviction.
It is at a judge's discretion
A PJC is granted only at the judge's discretion — it is not automatic and not a right. Only the court can decide whether one applies in a given case.
Known limits (general)
North Carolina has rules that limit how PJCs are counted, and they differ for license points versus insurance:
- For driver-license points, there are limits on how often a PJC can be used within a multi-year period before it counts as a conviction.
- For insurance, the limits are stricter and counted over a different period.
- PJCs are generally not available to out-of-state license holders or to commercial driver's license (CDL) holders.
The exact rules, counting periods, and how they'd apply to a specific person are legal details — confirm them with a licensed attorney, not with us.
Why we can't advise on this
Deciding whether to seek a PJC, and how, is the practice of law. As a driving school, we're not able to recommend it, request it for you, or predict whether a court would grant it. Please direct those questions to a licensed NC attorney or the court on your citation.
How The Right Way can help
What we can help with is a defensive driving course (online or in person), if one is required of you or you choose to take it. See course options or call (984) 242-5605.