What if I don’t appear?

A Civil Traffic citation from a police officer must be dealt with in one manner or another whether you agree with the officer or not.   A failure to deal with it properly (by appearing) will only cause it to be dealt with in the alternative.  That means, if you “Fail To Appear” (FTA) by your date, the law says;

  1. You will be “deemed” responsible, as charged, by default.
  2. The fine will be levied against you automatically.
  3. MVD will probably suspend your driver license.
  4. A new charge of Failure To Appear will be added (in criminal cases).
  5. An arrest warrant “shall” be issued for the F.T.A.  (in criminal cases).
  6. If you don’t pay the fine, MVD will suspend your vehicle registration.

Show All Answers

1. I have a citation. What do I do next?
2. When is my court date?
3. What if I can’t appear on my court date?
4. What if I don’t appear?
5. How do I request a hearing to challenge my ticket?
6. What happens at the civil traffic hearing?
7. Can I get the citation dismissed?
8. How much is my fine?
9. What happens if I don’t pay?
10. What if I can’t pay my fine in full?
11. How can I pay my fine?
12. Where can I mail my payment?
13. Payments, and Non-Payment Sanctions
14. I am too busy to go to court. Can I use the MAIL or the INTERNET?
15. What does the law say about my violation?
16. What does this do to my driving record?
17. Can I talk to the judge?
18. If I want to "fight" the ticket, what do I do?
19. Can I attend Defensive Driving School (DDS)?
20. Criminal Charge - What happens at my first appearance?