There are various circumstances in which authorities in Massachusetts may issue you a citation for a traffic violation. Whether this stems from a speeding ticket, or even from a parking violation, the financial costs can be extensive in nature, and the idea of paying the ticket could seem exceedingly intimidating.
However, simply ignoring the situation may never prove fruitful, and there could be severe ramifications to having unpaid citations. Addressing the possible consequences involved may help you grasp what is at stake and help you prepare to seek advice on your legal options and the best course of action to take to protect your interests.
Unpaid citations
Receiving a citation for any type of traffic violation can be a harrowing experience, and you might not know what could happen if you do not pay the fines involved. Some possible consequences of unpaid citations might include:
- Additional fines: When you receive a citation for a traffic violation, the ticket may include a due date. Allowing this date to pass without addressing the matter could trigger extensive fines.
- Loss of driving privileges: There are also some scenarios in which unpaid traffic tickets could leave a mark on your driving record and trigger the possibility of a loss of driving privileges.
- Impact on insurance rates: The presence of unpaid citations could affect your car insurance policy, potentially leading to an increase in premiums or impacting your ability to change policies.
- Additional concerns: Consequences of unpaid citations could also include the possibility that authorities may impound your vehicle. Similar issues may also affect your ability to renew your license or your vehicle’s registration.
Studies indicate that there are also some scenarios in which unpaid tickets could lead authorities to issue an arrest warrant. Facing this possibility can prove a daunting concept.
Evaluating your options
Unpaid traffic citations could trigger various repercussions, and the aftermath of such a situation could have a lingering impact on various areas of your life. While it may seem like paying the fine is the only option you have to stave off undesirable results, this might not always be the case.
Options such as traffic school may be a viable path in certain scenarios, and sometimes it may also be possible to challenge the ticket in court. Seeking advice in addressing your situation may be integral to helping you better understand your available options and prepare to choose the best path available with which to protect your future interests.
