Can I Ignore a Traffic Ticket?

Getting a traffic ticket can feel devastating, especially when you’re already dealing with work, family and financial pressures. You might be tempted to simply ignore that citation and hope it goes away. However, ignoring a traffic ticket in Ohio triggers serious consequences that can affect your driving record, finances and legal standing for years to come.

At The VanNoy Firm, we understand the stress that comes with receiving a traffic ticket. Our experienced traffic defense attorneys have helped countless clients navigate Ohio’s complex traffic laws and minimize the impact of citations on their lives. Here’s what you need to know about the consequences of ignoring a traffic ticket and why addressing it properly is crucial.

Consequences of ignoring a traffic ticket include:

• Bench warrant for failure to appear
• License forfeiture suspension
• Warrant and registration blocks
• Contempt of court charges
• Increased insurance rates
• Points on your driving record

What Happens When You Ignore a Traffic Ticket in Ohio?

When you receive a traffic ticket, you have a legal obligation to either pay the fine or appear in court by the specified deadline. Ignoring this responsibility sets off a chain of legal consequences that can significantly complicate your life.

Will I Get a Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear?

If you do not respond to your traffic ticket or miss your court date, the judge will issue a bench warrant for “Failure to Appear” (FTA). The warrant permits law enforcement to arrest you, and it remains active until you resolve the matter with the court.

Once a bench warrant is issued, you could be arrested during any police encounter, whether it’s another traffic stop, a routine check or even at your workplace if officers come looking for you.

Can My License Be Suspended Before I’m Convicted?

Ohio law allows courts to impose a “License Forfeiture Suspension” even before you’re found guilty of the underlying traffic violation. This pre-judgment suspension occurs simply because you failed to appear in court.

The court notifies the Ohio BMV of your failure to appear, which triggers an immediate suspension of your driving privileges. Your license remains suspended until you resolve the matter with the court and complete the reinstatement process with the BMV.

Can I Face Contempt of Court Charges?

Ignoring a traffic ticket can result in contempt of court charges. Courts take failure to appear seriously, and contempt charges can carry additional fines, fees and even jail time depending on the circumstances and the court’s discretion.

Why Shouldn’t I Ignore My Traffic Ticket?

Beyond the immediate legal consequences, ignoring a traffic ticket creates long-term problems that far exceed the cost and inconvenience of addressing it promptly.

How Do Points Affect My License and Driving Record?

Ohio operates on a point system where traffic violations add points to your driving record. If you generate 12 points within a two-year period, your license faces automatic suspension for six months.

When you ignore a ticket, you’re typically found guilty by default, meaning:

• Points are added to your record
• The violation is added to your permanent driving history
• Future violations compound the problem
• You lose the chance to fight the charges or negotiate a reduction

Will My Insurance Rates Increase?

Insurance companies regularly review driving records, and traffic violations typically result in increased premiums. A single ticket can increase your rates by hundreds or even thousands of dollars over several years.

By ignoring a ticket and accepting a default conviction, you miss the chance to:

• Negotiate a plea to a non-moving violation
• Reduce the charges
• Keep the violation off your record entirely

What Should I Do Instead of Ignoring My Ticket?

You have legal options that can help minimize the impact of a traffic citation on your life and driving record.

Should I Plead Guilty or Fight the Ticket?

This decision depends on several factors, including the specific violation, your driving history and the strength of the evidence against you.

Fighting the ticket gives you the opportunity to:

• Challenge the evidence
• Negotiate with prosecutors
• Seek reduced charges
• Potentially have the ticket dismissed

Protect Your Driving Record

Ignoring a traffic ticket never makes the problem disappear. The consequences of failing to address a citation properly can affect your ability to drive, work and maintain affordable insurance for years to come. Don’t let a traffic ticket spiral into a complex legal problem with lasting consequences. The skilled attorneys at The VanNoy Firm have the experience and knowledge necessary to minimize the impact of traffic violations on your life. Contact us for a consultation.