Jill Kolodner | December 18, 2024 | Maryland Law
Receiving a traffic ticket in Maryland can be inconvenient and stressful. However, failing to pay a ticket for speeding or another traffic offense has consequences. The last thing you want to do is ignore it and pretend it will go away on its own. Understanding what happens if you do not pay a ticket can help you avoid consequences.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay A Speeding Ticket in Maryland?
You may be issued a citation for traffic violations such as speeding or failing to wear your seat belt. Citations are treated more seriously than other types of parking tickets because they are classified as moving violations.
Ignoring a citation can have serious consequences. Failure to pay the associated fine or appear in court to contest a ticket will result in the court electronically notifying the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The MVA will then mail you a notice that your driver’s license will be suspended unless you satisfy the court requirements by the suspension date printed on the notice. In addition, you may accrue late fees and other penalties.
What Tickets Go On My Driving Record in Maryland?
Not all tickets will appear on your driving record. Generally, only convictions for moving violations will appear on your record. This includes citations for speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving. Paying a ticket or being convicted of a traffic offense in court may also add points to your license.
The severity of the offense will determine the number of points added and how long they remain on your record. Tickets issued in other states may also appear on your Maryland driving record. This is because Maryland participates in the Driver License Compact, an interstate agreement allowing states to report violations committed in other states to the MVA.
Tickets for parking, red light camera violations, or jaywalking are civil infractions. They are issued to the owner of the vehicle and will not appear on your driving record.
What Should You Do If You Have an Unpaid Ticket in Maryland?
It is important to act quickly if you have an unpaid ticket. The fastest way to resolve a ticket is to pay the fine. You can usually pay online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system, by mail, or in person. Paying a citation for a moving violation, such as speeding, is an admission of guilt and results in a conviction for that offense, which can add points to your driving record.
If your ticket is for a moving violation, you may also appear in court on the date and time listed on your citation to contest the matter.
Whether you pay for your violation or context it in court, you should address it promptly to avoid further penalties.
Steps for Avoiding Ticket Issues in Maryland
Receiving a traffic ticket in Maryland can be inconvenient and stressful. To avoid the issues with your ticket, follow these steps:
- Pay Tickets Promptly: Address any tickets quickly, whether for parking or moving violations. This can help you avoid late fees and other consequences.
- Contest Tickets You Dispute: Do not ignore tickets because you believe they were unfairly issued. Appearing to contest the ticket in court is your best chance to resolve it without penalty.
- Monitor Your Record: Keep track of your driving record, and stay alert for notices from the MVA or local authorities regarding unpaid tickets.
A Maryland traffic lawyer may be able to help you contest a ticket in court. Ignoring a ticket in Maryland may seem like a small oversight, but it can lead to significant consequences. Whether you receive a ticket for a moving or parking violation, addressing it promptly is the best way to avoid fines and other implications, including the possible suspension of your license.
Contact the Baltimore Car Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080
