You received a traffic ticket. You planned to appear in court… but forgot. Now what? Missing a traffic court date can trigger serious legal consequences, depending on your state and the nature of your ticket.
Potential Outcomes of Missing Court:
- Bench warrant for arrest
- Default conviction
- License suspension
- Additional fines or fees
- Points on your driving record
If a Warrant Is Issued:
- You can be arrested during a routine stop
- May need to post bail
- The ticket becomes a criminal issue, not just civil
What You Should Do ASAP:
- Contact the traffic court to reschedule
- File a “motion to vacate” judgment (if applicable)
- Work with a traffic lawyer to clear the warrant
- Pay the fine only after exploring legal options
Don’t Wait: The longer you delay, the more expensive and difficult it becomes.
Pro Tip: Some states offer amnesty programs or walk-in court days to resolve old tickets.