Getting a traffic ticket can be stressful, especially if you're unsure how to handle it. In New York, ignoring a traffic ticket can have serious consequences, including the suspension of your driver's license, fines and penalties, and even arrest. It's crucial to understand the potential outcomes of ignoring a traffic ticket and to act promptly. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is essential regarding traffic violations, whether you're a new or experienced driver.
If you have received a citation, schedule a consultation with Martin A. Kron & Associates, P.C. by calling us at (212) 235-1525 or contacting us online today.
What Could Happen If You Don’t Respond to Your Ticket
Ignoring a traffic ticket in New York can lead to various consequences. From late fees and penalties to arrest warrants and possible jail time, disregarding a traffic ticket can have significant and long-lasting effects on your life.
Driver’s License Suspension
One of the consequences of ignoring a traffic ticket is the suspension of your driver's license. If you fail to respond to a traffic ticket within the required time frame, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may take away your driving privileges.
Getting your license reinstated can be complicated, requiring that you go through an administrative process and pay fees.
Additionally, a suspended driver's license can significantly impact your ability to get to work or school, making it even more important to take a traffic ticket seriously and respond promptly.
Financial Penalties
Ignoring a traffic ticket or missing a court date can result in additional financial penalties that can add up quickly.
Moreover, if your driver's license is suspended due to ignoring a traffic ticket, you must pay $70 for each ticket that led to your suspension before your driving privileges can be reinstated. This means that if you have multiple outstanding tickets, reinstating your driver's license can quickly become a significant financial burden.
To avoid late fees and penalties, responding to traffic immediately is crucial.
Impact on Credit Score
Failing to respond to a traffic ticket in New York can hurt your credit score. If you do not pay the fines and surcharges associated with your ticket, your case may be sent to a debt collection agency. This can result in a negative mark on your credit report, making it more challenging to secure loans or credit in the future.
Debt collection agencies may charge additional fees and penalties, which can add to the overall cost of ignoring a traffic ticket.
Additional Charges and Arrest
If your driver's license is suspended for failing to respond to a traffic ticket, it is illegal for you to operate a vehicle. If caught driving on a suspended license, you could face serious consequences, including criminal charges, fines, and jail time.
To avoid these consequences, you must answer your citation and take the necessary steps to reinstate your driver's license if it has been suspended.
Default Conviction
You could be convicted by default if you ignore a traffic ticket and fail to respond within the required timeframe. This means that you will be found guilty without having the opportunity to present your case before a judge. A default conviction can result in severe consequences, including fines, points on your driving record, and even the suspension or revocation of your driver's license.
Increased Insurance Premiums
The information about your traffic ticket conviction is sent to the New York State DMV. In some cases, it may also be sent to your insurance carrier. Insurance companies often have policies imposing higher rates for customers with moving violations on their driving records. Your premium could increase significantly, making it more difficult to afford car insurance.
How to Handle a Traffic Ticket in New York
If you receive a traffic ticket in New York, knowing how to handle it could help avoid the consequences of ignoring it. You have several options for responding to a traffic ticket: by mail, by phone, or online.
When responding, you must indicate whether you plead guilty or not guilty. If you choose to pay the ticket, you are essentially admitting guilt, which will result in a conviction on your record. However, if you decide to contest the citation, you are pleading not guilty and requesting a chance to tell your story in court.
Before deciding how to respond to your ticket, talking to a lawyer may be helpful. An experienced traffic attorney can evaluate your case and advise on a practical course of action to seek to minimize the consequences of the traffic violation.
Get in Touch with Our Firm
Ignoring a traffic ticket in New York can lead to serious consequences, including the suspension or revocation of your driver's license, fines and penalties, increased insurance premiums, and negative impacts on your credit score. It is crucial to respond to traffic tickets timely. Generally, it is better to take proactive steps to address a traffic violation than to ignore it and risk more severe consequences. By acting promptly, you could minimize the impact of a traffic ticket and maintain your driving privileges.
To discuss your case with our attorney, contact Martin A. Kron & Associates, P.C. at (212) 235-1525.