Kansas City’s traffic laws are designed to keep everyone safe, regulating speed limits, parking, and actions at stop signs and traffic lights. But what happens if a driver breaks these rules, gets a ticket, and ignores it?
Ignoring a Kansas City traffic ticket can lead to severe consequences, including fines, a suspended driver’s license, or even a warrant for arrest. Outstanding tickets can also affect a driver’s credit score, leading to financial issues.
Kansas City’s Traffic Laws
Understanding Kansas City traffic laws is essential for staying safe and avoiding tickets. Here are the basics:
- Speed Limits: 30 mph in residential zones, 65-75 mph on highways.
- Seat Belts: Mandatory for all occupants; children under eight must be in a child safety seat.
- Traffic Signals and Signs: Must be obeyed.
- Right of Way: Drivers must yield appropriately, including to pedestrians.
- Distracted Driving: Texting while driving is prohibited.
Common Traffic Violations
Traffic violations in Kansas City include:
- Speeding
- Driving without a license
- Running red lights
- Improper lane changes
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- Parking violations
What to Do When You Receive a Ticket
After getting a traffic ticket, drivers should:
- Review the Ticket: Understand the violation, fine amount, and payment options.
- Decide on Action: Pay the fine or contest the ticket in court. Consulting a traffic ticket lawyer may be helpful.
- Pay the Fine: Follow the payment instructions on the ticket. Payment can usually be made online, by mail, or in person.
- Prepare for Court: If contesting the ticket, gather evidence or witnesses to support the case.
Consequences of Ignoring a Traffic Ticket
Ignoring a traffic ticket can have immediate and long-term effects:
- Driving Record and Insurance Rates: Unresolved violations impact driving records and can increase insurance rates.
- License Suspension or Revocation: Repeated violations can lead to license suspension or revocation.
- Penalties and Warrants: Unpaid tickets can lead to fines and arrest warrants.
- Legal and Financial Repercussions: Ignored tickets remain on driving records, and unresolved issues can escalate to criminal matters. To check for potential arrest warrants, drivers can use resources like the Kansas City Arrest Record Search.
Steps to Take if You Have Ignored a Ticket
To resolve ignored tickets:
- Locate and review the ignored ticket, noting the violation, fine amount, and missed deadlines.
- Access your driving record to check for outstanding tickets and verify if any warrants have been issued. This can be done through the Kansas Department of Revenue or online services. You can also search through Kansas Public Records.
- Contact the Kansas City traffic court where the ticket was issued, explain the situation, and inquire about the next steps.
- Pay the outstanding fine immediately to avoid further penalties.
- Attend all assigned court dates promptly if given a new court date.