Speeding Tickets in California Can Be Expensive
Every day, California drivers receive traffic citations for various infractions, including speeding, running red lights, reckless driving, DUI, and even parking tickets California depends on traffic fines as sources of income, and the fines are notoriously hefty. Paying traffic fines is something that most of us do grudgingly, yet it is also something that many of us simply forget to do.
Things get in the way because life happens. Many folks can’t afford to pay for the ticket, so they just ignore it and cross their fingers. But unpaid tickets can snowball and turn into your biggest nightmare as time goes by. Or even immediately. Your case could be sent to collections if you do not comply with a subsequent grace period and pay the initial fine and any extra assessments due.
You can avoid civil assessment, collection measures, and additional penalties if a response is provided. The court doesn’t care if you pay the money or go to court; it just wants to know that you’re not ignoring the ticket.
Don’t let an unpaid traffic ticket ruin your driving record or your auto insurance rates. Address it as soon as possible, and we can help.
How Long Do I Have to Pay a Speeding Ticket in California?
In the majority of cases, traffic violators in California are given up to ninety days to either pay the fine (guilty pea or no contest) or enter a plea (no guilty plea). The judge believes that a person has more than sufficient time to decide how they wish to continue and take action if they are given ninety days. You can even pay tickets for traffic violations via credit card, although most courts in the state will charge you a processing fee.
Can You Get an Extension on a Ticket in California?
You are eligible for one extension of up to 60 days beyond the appearance date printed on your ticket. You have the option of submitting your request for an extension either online, over the mail, or through the automated telephone system of the Court.
What Happens if I Fail to Appear in Court?
Your driving privileges could be revoked, and you could face further penalties if you fail to pay your ticket or appear in court.
Failure to Appear is the legal term for failing to appear in court. You could be charged with a second offense if you fail to attend your court date despite having signed a promise to do so when you received your ticket. Even if you or your traffic lawyer have made other arrangements with the court before the courtesy Notice to Appear date given on your ticket, you still need to confirm this with the court. Some citations even require a mandatory court appearance, so you can’t just pay and forget about it.
If you haven’t paid your traffic fine and haven’t shown up for court, the judge has the authority to take the following actions:
- An additional $300 will be charged as a civil assessment.
- Hold a trial in your absence and convict you of a crime.
- Arrest warrants should be issued for your arrest.
What Happens if You Ignore Your Traffic Ticket?
By not responding to your ticket on time, you will simply make matters worse. It is possible that you will suffer further, severe consequences as a result of your actions.
If you can show the court that paying the fine would place you or your family in financial jeopardy, you can ask the court to look into your financial situation. Even though your case is in collections, you can still request an ability-to-pay assessment from the court if you are in a financial bind.
After reviewing your case, the court may decide to lessen the fine or cost, approve a payment plan, or require community service. As a result, not every court will offer these options, and the court may not qualify all fines or fees for an assessment of an individual’s ability to repay.
Alternatively, the court may rule that you owe it all. Also, as mentioned before, if you fail to appear in court or pay your ticket, you may face license suspension or even be revoked, along with additional fines and court costs.
Your insurance company will also have more reasons to raise your rates by even more than what would’ve been the case if you had simply paid the ticket or traffic citation.
Request Traffic School To Avoid Points
Another reason to not have unpaid traffic tickets is that you can also avoid points on your system if you go to court and ask for this opportunity.
Individuals who receive a traffic ticket for a traffic violation also have the option to attend traffic school as a means to avoid points on their driving record at the Department of Motor Vehicles. This option is particularly beneficial as it allows drivers to maintain a clean record and prevent potential increases in insurance premiums. By completing an approved traffic school program, drivers can demonstrate their commitment to improving their driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws. While attending traffic school may require an investment of time and money, it provides an opportunity for individuals to learn from their mistakes and make better choices on the road, ultimately promoting safer driving habits.
Paying your traffic fines on time is a legal requirement in California
A ticket for going over the speed limit can lead to a suspended driver’s license if they aren’t paid in a timely manner. A suspended driver’s license will do nothing but make things worse. With no transportation to and from work due to a lack of funds, you’ll find yourself in an even more precarious financial scenario than before. To reinstate your driver’s license, you may also be required to pay a charge.
Kindly contact us at Ticket Snipers if you have any questions about paying a speeding ticket late and how to defend yourself against expired tag citations. We are available 24/7 if you’d like to chat with one of our trained consultants about expired registration ticket defense.