Legal Consequences of Not Paying a Traffic Ticket in Maryland – Guest Post

Traffic Ticket

That traffic ticket might look like a minor inconvenience, just another bill to pay and ignore. But in Maryland, nothing can bring big headaches in the eyes of the law and your bank account. Whether it’s for speeding, running a red light, or a minor equipment problem, doing nothing can trigger a domino effect that goes from your driver’s license to your wallet to your liberty.

What happens if you don’t pay a speeding ticket? This is a question most drivers don’t have an answer for. In Maryland, more than your bank balance is at stake; unpaid tickets will get your driver’s license suspended, raise your insurance premium, and even land you in jail in some cases. Therefore, you need to be aware of your choices and obligations the very moment a ticket is issued.

Understanding Your Options About Traffic Tickets in Maryland

When you receive a traffic ticket in Maryland, you usually have three choices:

  • Pay the fine (admitting guilt).
  • Ask for a waiver hearing to hear your case and perhaps have the fine lowered.
  • Challenge the ticket in court and enter a plea of not guilty.

No matter what you choose, you must respond within 30 days of receiving the citation. Missing this deadline is what triggers the harsher penalties.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

This is what will occur if you don’t pay:

  1. Late Fees and Additional Charges

If you don’t pay within the time frame, late fees will be added to the original fine. The more time that passes, the more you’ll be charged, and the harder it’ll be to repair.

  1. Suspension of Your Driving License

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will suspend your license if you fail to pay your traffic ticket or appear in court. Driving under suspension is a misdemeanor in Maryland and will cost you additional money in fines, jail time, and a lifetime stain on your record.

  1. Bench Warrants for Arrest

If your ticket involved a court appearance and you failed to appear, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. In other words, even a simple routine traffic stop or ID check may result in your arrest.

  1. Points on Your Driving Record

Depending upon the nature of the violation, points can be put on your driving record. Too many points can lead to required driver improvement courses, increased insurance premiums, or even extended suspension of your license.

  1. Debt Collection and Credit Issues

In other cases, unpaid tickets may be sent to collections. This will damage your credit report, and it will become more difficult to get loans, lease an apartment, or even pass certain background checks.

How to Pay an Unpaid Ticket

If you’ve forgotten when the payment was due, don’t panic, but act fast. You can generally:

  • Pay the fine over the Internet through the state court’s payment system.
  • Call the district court where you were cited and request guidance.
  • Request a new court date if a hearing was skipped.
  • Request payment plans if you cannot pay upfront.

Doing nothing only makes things worse. Taking action early can prevent further damage and, in some cases, reduce what you owe.

Conclusion

In Maryland, a traffic ticket must not be underestimated, especially if you consider what happens when you don’t pay speeding ticket fines. The fines can quickly add up, from penalty charges to suspension of license and arrest.

If you don’t know what to do with your ticket, talk to a traffic   attorney who can inform you of your rights and responsibilities. Taking action now could save you hassle later.

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