Traffic tickets are an inconvenience no driver wants to deal with, but ignoring them or failing to take the proper steps can lead to even bigger problems. In the Old North State, receiving a traffic ticket requires either paying the fine or appearing in court on the specified date.
Missing that court date can worsen the situation and potentially affect a motorist’s driving privileges. Motorists can benefit from knowing what could happen if they miss their court date and how to handle the situation if they’ve already missed it.
Why motorists should never miss their court date
When a motorist receives a traffic ticket, the citation will include a court date and instructions on how to respond. Drivers have two options: pay the fine (which is considered a plea of guilty) or appear in court to contest the ticket or seek a reduction in charges.
If a motorist misses their court date, the judge will likely issue a failure to appear (FTA) charge. This can result in:
- Additional fines
- A license suspension
- A bench warrant for the motorist’s arrest
A bench warrant means law enforcement can arrest the driver at any time, whether during a routine traffic stop or at their home or workplace.
What to do following a missed court date
Suppose a driver has already missed their court date; they should contact the court at their earliest convenience. There’s still room for them to explain why they missed the date and ask for a new court date.
Motorists who unintentionally miss a court date for a traffic ticket can benefit from enlisting hands-on legal guidance. The right legal team can help them secure a new court date and possibly reduce the additional penalties they’re facing.