Unfortunately, some of us know the feeling of seeing blue lights in our rearview mirrors. Getting pulled over by the police typically results in a ticket or warning. However, if you’re caught speeding, you should prepare to pay a hefty fine.
With an average fine running between 300 to 480 dollars, it’s understandable why some California residents ignore their citations and hope they disappear. We get it. These tickets are expensive, especially when the fees add up. But ignoring them can get into deeper and more costly trouble. If you’re considering dodging a ticket, think again. Here’s what happens if you don’t pay a speeding ticket in California.
The Consequences
The penalties for ignoring a ticket fine will grow as you continue to put off the payment. The following can happen if you don’t pay your ticket by the deadline:
- Increased ticket fine
- Points added to your record
- License suspension
- Warrant for your arrest
If You Can’t Afford To Pay the Ticket
California has four types of speeding laws, and each carries a base ticket amount. So, what happens if you can’t afford the ticket? There are special conditions for those who can’t afford to pay a ticket in full. You can ask the court to lower your fine, request an extended deadline, set up a payment plan, or do community service.
You can submit a TR-320 form to ask the court to consider your request to explore other options for paying your dues. A judge will review your request and make the final decision, which will be mailed to your address. It’s important to remember that a “yes” from the judge is not guaranteed.
How To Take Care of Your Ticket
Now that you know what happens when you don’t pay a ticket in California, you can see that it’s best to handle your ticket as soon as possible. You can take care of your fine by paying it in full. If you got a fix-it ticket, you can sign up for traffic school to take care of it. However, if you feel that your ticket isn’t fair, you can contest it in court. Make sure you have concrete evidence to show your innocence.
