What if I cannot pay a traffic ticket?


October 15, 2021
Advice, Automotive
Editorial


Getting a traffic ticket is undoubtedly annoying. However, for most people it has no further implications than paying the fine and going to traffic school in order to avoid having any points appear on their driving record. Nobody said this is an inexpensive or quick solution but it gets the problem solved.

However, in other cases, people encounter much more serious legal issues by not paying the ticket or going to court to dispute the ticket. Ignoring a traffic ticket is never a good idea because you will not get it to go away and disappear by simply not looking at it. On the contrary, accumulating unpaid tickets may result in the loss of your driver’s license, the fines increasing, or in your being arrested.

Paying a Traffic Ticket When You Have Financial Hardships

Drivers who receive a traffic ticket when they are undergoing financial difficulties have several options open to them for dealing with the ticket. Here are some of them:

Go to Traffic School

Some states have determined that drivers may deal with a traffic ticket by completing traffic school. This takes away the obligation to pay the fine. Although traffic school may have some cost attached to it, it is generally lower than the amount you would have to pay for the ticket. As a bonus, points will be taken off your driving record.

Request a Reduction or an Extension of Time to Pay

Although traffic violations, their fines, and the time you have to take care of them are usually standardized, approaching a traffic court judge gives you the option to have the fine lowered and payment deadlines extended. Don’t waste any time communicating with a traffic judge and explaining your problem. Your willingness to own up to the situation instead of sweeping it under the rug may work in your favor. Depending on the state where you live, you may even have the option to request a payment extension through regular mail.

Request a Payment Plan

Traffic ticket fines are usually quite steep once fees and court costs are added in. If you are going through some financial difficulties, you may not be able to afford the entire amount at once. Check with your local traffic court clerk to find out whether payment plans are offered in your area. This option may make life much easier for you.

Is it necessary for me to appear in court?

Generally, when you receive a traffic ticket, you don’t need to appear in court unless you are considering fighting the ticket. In other cases, you may need to appear in court: like when your ticket was due to driving 30 miles over the posted speed limit, you were driving recklessly, or there was a car accident in which serious bodily injury or death occurred.

If you are planning on disputing the ticket or need to appear in court for any other reason, it may be worth your time to hire a traffic ticket attorney. For more information, click here to find out how a traffic lawyer can help you fight for your rights, particularly if your case involves a criminal violation like driving with a suspended license.