Being pulled over by a law enforcement officer can be an intimidating experience. However, receiving a traffic ticket can put a financial strain on your household budget. Some individuals believe they can ignore a traffic ticket and it will go away. However, this is an incorrect assumption, and it is always imperative that you appear for court dates and follow up on all requirements regarding a traffic ticket in North Carolina.
What Happens if You Fail to Appear at Trial?
If you fail to appear in court in North Carolina, the case will be noted as “called and failed.” Next, the court will issue a Failure to Appear against you. If you continue to ignore your traffic citation date, then the Department of Motor Vehicles may be notified and the court may suspend your driver’s license for an indefinite period of time.
1. Understanding Traffic Tickets in North Carolina
Traffic tickets are issued to drivers for many different offenses. Sometimes, drivers are arrested and charged with felonies for conduct they exhibit while driving. The following are some of the most common types of traffic offenses drivers commit in North Carolina:
- Driving while license revoked
- Habitual DWI
- Driving while impaired
- Non-moving violations
- Moving violations
- Driving at an excessive rate of speed
Some of the most common traffic violations involve distracted driving. Texting while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. Penalties for texting while driving include fines, the application of points to the violator’s driver’s license, and community service. Failing to yield the right of way is another common traffic violation committed by drivers in North Carolina.
Unfortunately, some drivers are involved in hit-and-run accidents during which they strike another automobile and then flee the accident scene. Before you drive in North Carolina, you need to understand the traffic laws and how they apply to drivers and passengers.
2. Legal Consequences of Ignoring a Traffic Ticket
Those who choose to ignore a traffic ticket do so at their own peril. Drivers who do not pay a traffic ticket or appear for a court date risk losing their driving privileges and having a warrant issued for their arrest. These penalties can affect your ability to drive to work and support your family. Do not ignore your traffic tickets. The best thing you can do if you are worried about traffic tickets is reach out to a North Carolina traffic ticket lawyer today.
3. Monetary Penalties and Increased Insurance Rates
Financial costs go up the longer you ignore your traffic ticket in North Carolina. Insurance rates will increase if you do not pay your traffic tickets. Also, you will face substantial fines which can put a serious dent in your family budget. Therefore, you need to focus on what you can do to prevent having to pay any fees associated with your traffic ticket.
4. Impact on Driving License: Suspension and Demerit Points
Drivers in North Carolina can accumulate points, and if these points reach a certain amount, then the state will impose consequences on the irresponsible driver. These consequences may range from a monetary fine to increased insurance rates to the suspension of your driver’s license. Having your driver’s license suspended will prohibit you from driving to work and visiting with family members and friends. Therefore, you need to avoid accumulating any demerit points on your North Carolina driving record.
5. Long-Term Consequences
Having too many monetary fines due to speeding tickets can cost you over the coming months and years. Your insurance rates may increase and increase the total economic cost coming out of your budget due to unpaid traffic tickets.
Get the Advice of an Experienced Traffic Ticket Attorney
If you have questions about overdue traffic tickets, it is imperative that you seek the guidance of a North Carolina traffic ticket lawyer. Contact our office today to learn more.