What happens if you have unpaid tickets?
If you don't pay traffic tickets on time or have several unpaid traffic tickets, you could face more severe consequences such as additional fees, license and registration suspension, vehicle impoundment, and a bench warrant for your arrest.
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Key takeaways
Ignoring a traffic ticket doesn't make it go away, and an unresolved ticket may lead to additional penalties
If you can't pay on time, you may have options like a payment plan, driving class, or community service
What happens if you don't pay a ticket on time?
If you get a traffic ticket, you have a certain amount of time to pay or contest it. If you don't, you may face additional penalties. Depending on where you live, the penalties for unpaid tickets may include:
Late fees and collections
If you don't pay your traffic ticket on time, you may incur a late fee, increasing the amount you owe. Your account may also be referred to collections, resulting in additional fees. Collection accounts can also negatively affect your credit.
License and registration suspension
If the state suspends your license or registration, you can't legally drive until they reinstate it. You typically need to pay a reinstatement fee to remove the suspension. Learn more about car insurance with a suspended license.
Inability to renew your license or register your car
If you have an outstanding traffic ticket, you may not be able to renew your driver's license until after you pay the ticket. If you need to register a vehicle or renew your registration, you must resolve your ticket before doing so.
Vehicle immobilization or impoundment
The city or county where the offense occurred may put a boot on your vehicle so you can't drive it. To get the boot removed, you'll need to pay the fine. The state may even impound your vehicle. If that happens, you must pay the towing and storage fees and the traffic ticket to get your car back.
Bench warrant
Depending on the jurisdiction and violation, failing to respond to a ticket, appear in court, or comply with a court order may result in a warrant. If a court issues an active warrant, you could be arrested.
What if you can't afford to pay your ticket?
If you can't afford to pay a ticket on time, you may have options:
- Set up a payment plan: Certain states may offer payment plans to pay your fine over time if the amount you owe exceeds a certain threshold.
- Take a driving class: Some states may permit you to take a driving course, which may cost less than the fine.
- Community service: In some states, community service may be an option instead of a fine.
When you get a ticket, you can usually request a hearing to ask the judge to reduce or waive the fine or extend the due date. If you don't think you're guilty of the charges, you can contest the ticket in court. If the judge finds you not guilty, you won't have to pay the fine, and they won't add the infraction to your driving record.
What happens if you have a warrant for not paying a ticket?
Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, a court may issue a warrant if you fail to respond to a ticket, appear as required, or comply with a court order. An active warrant can result in arrest. If you believe you have a warrant related to a traffic ticket, contact the court that issued the ticket to find out how to resolve it.
Will your car insurance rate go up for not paying a ticket?
Getting tickets can impact your car insurance cost; while your rate may not increase as a direct result of not paying a ticket, your premium may increase if your license is suspended. Depending on your insurer, violations might even result in your insurer choosing not to renew your policy.
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