Getting a speeding ticket in California is never a pleasant experience, but ignoring it can make the situation significantly worse. Many drivers assume they can forget about the citation or deal with it later. Unfortunately, failing to take action on a speeding ticket can lead to serious legal and financial consequences—some that can last for years.
If you’ve received a speeding ticket in California and are unsure what happens if you don’t pay or respond to it, this guide will explain everything you need to know and help you avoid turning a small problem into a much bigger one.
Understanding Speeding Tickets in California
Speeding tickets in California are typically issued as infractions under the California Vehicle Code. A citation may be issued if a driver exceeds the posted speed limit or is driving at a speed considered unsafe based on the conditions.
After receiving the ticket, drivers are usually given a few weeks to take action. The citation will list a court appearance date or a due date for payment. Failing to respond by this date—whether by paying the fine, attending traffic school, or contesting the ticket in court—can trigger a series of escalating penalties.
What Happens When You Ignore a Speeding Ticket
When you ignore a speeding ticket, the court considers it a failure to appear or a failure to pay. Even though a speeding ticket is an infraction, failing to respond can create a criminal issue. This leads to more fines, license suspension, and even a potential arrest warrant.
The process may begin with the court adding a failure to appear (FTA) charge to your case. From there, the court may notify the DMV, who can then suspend your driver’s license. The court may also issue a bench warrant for your arrest and forward your case to collections, which can impact your credit.
Ignoring the ticket doesn’t make it disappear—it only delays the consequences and makes them worse.
Failure to Appear (FTA) Charges
In California, if you miss your court date or fail to take action on your ticket, the court may file a failure to appear charge. Even though the original speeding violation is a non-criminal offense, failing to appear is treated as a misdemeanor in some situations.
This can result in:
Additional fines and penalties
A permanent FTA on your court and DMV record
The issuance of a bench warrant for your arrest
Possible jail time if the situation escalates
Having an FTA on your record can also complicate future legal matters or background checks, including employment or licensing applications.
How the DMV Gets Involved
When the court notifies the California Department of Motor Vehicles that you failed to appear or pay, the DMV can place a hold on your driver’s license. This can result in a suspension of your license under the California Vehicle Code.
A suspended license doesn’t just mean you can’t legally drive. If you’re caught driving while your license is suspended, you may face additional criminal charges, higher fines, and even impoundment of your vehicle.
The DMV hold may also prevent you from renewing your license until the matter is resolved.
Bench Warrants for Unpaid Tickets
If a judge issues a bench warrant due to your failure to appear, that warrant stays active until it’s recalled or resolved. This means you could be arrested during a routine traffic stop or any time your identity is checked by law enforcement.
The warrant doesn’t expire or go away on its own. Courts take FTAs seriously, and a warrant can follow you for years. If you’re aware of an outstanding warrant related to a traffic ticket, it’s essential to take steps to resolve it right away—preferably with the help of an attorney.
How Ignoring a Ticket Affects Insurance and Your Record
Even before a bench warrant is issued or your license is suspended, ignoring a ticket can impact your driving record and insurance rates.
The court may notify the DMV of the delinquent ticket, and points may be added to your record. Insurance companies regularly check DMV records when renewing policies, and an unresolved or unpaid ticket can result in higher premiums or even cancellation of your policy.
A single speeding ticket may have minor consequences if handled properly, but if ignored, it can create a record that labels you as a high-risk driver.
Unpaid Tickets and Collections
California courts are increasingly referring unpaid traffic citations to collection agencies. Once this happens, additional penalties and administrative fees may be added to your balance.
Collection agencies can pursue the debt for years, and unpaid fines may end up on your credit report, potentially lowering your credit score. If you later try to refinance a loan, rent an apartment, or pass a background check, this could create problems.
The court may also impose civil assessments, which further increase the amount you owe.
What to Do If You Missed Your Court Date or Deadline
If you’ve already missed your court date or failed to pay the ticket on time, the most important thing is to take action as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more complicated and costly the situation becomes.
You can:
Contact the traffic court to check the status of your case
Ask whether a failure to appear or bench warrant has been issued
Schedule an appearance to request a recall of the FTA or warrant
Hire a traffic ticket attorney to handle the process on your behalf
In many cases, a skilled attorney can help you avoid the most severe penalties and guide you through the process of resolving the case with the court and the DMV.
How a Traffic Attorney Can Help
An experienced traffic attorney can help you in several ways, especially if the situation has already escalated due to inaction. An attorney may be able to:
Get a failure to appear or warrant recalled
Negotiate with the court to reduce fines and penalties
Represent you in court so you don’t have to appear
Help avoid points on your driving record
Resolve DMV license holds
Reopen or challenge the original speeding ticket, if appropriate
Even if your ticket is years old or has already gone to collections, legal help is often the most effective way to resolve the issue quickly and minimize the damage.
Don’t Ignore a Speeding Ticket — Take Control of the Situation
Ignoring a speeding ticket in California can lead to consequences that far outweigh the original fine. What starts as a minor infraction can escalate into a suspended license, a criminal charge, or even a bench warrant if you don’t act. If you’re in this situation, don’t wait. Taking quick action—especially with the help of a qualified traffic attorney—can help you avoid further penalties and get your driving record back on track.
Need Legal Help with a Speeding Ticket or FTA?
At Southwest Legal, we specialize in traffic defense, including resolving FTAs, removing DMV holds, and fighting speeding tickets in California. Whether your ticket is new or years old, we can help you take control of the situation and avoid long-term consequences. Call us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you protect your license and your record.
