When Traffic Becomes Criminal — Suspensions and Warrants
Traffic tickets are a common part of life in California. While most people treat them as a minor inconvenience, ignoring or failing to resolve them can lead to serious legal consequences. This article explains how unpaid traffic fines can escalate into criminal matters, when they might lead to an arrest, and what to do to avoid further penalties.
Understanding Traffic Infractions in California
In California, most traffic violations are categorized as infractions. These include offenses like speeding, failing to stop at a red light, or improper lane changes. Infractions are not criminal offenses. They typically result in a fine and possibly a point on your driving record, but they do not carry jail time or criminal records.
However, the situation can change dramatically if you fail to address the ticket properly. If you ignore a citation or miss a required court appearance, the infraction can escalate into a misdemeanor offense, potentially leading to an arrest warrant.
When a Missed Court Date Becomes a Criminal Offense
If you receive a traffic ticket and are required to appear in court or pay a fine, you typically sign a document acknowledging your obligation—often called a “promise to appear.” Failing to appear in court or pay the fine by the deadline is treated seriously under California Vehicle Code Sections 40508 and 40515.
Failure to appear can result in:
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A misdemeanor charge filed against you
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A bench warrant issued for your arrest
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Additional fines and fees added to your case
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A suspension of your driver’s license
The court may also impose a civil assessment fee of up to $300 for failing to appear, in addition to the original fine.
What a Bench Warrant Means
A bench warrant is a court order that authorizes law enforcement to arrest you. It is issued when you fail to comply with a court directive, such as paying a fine or attending a scheduled hearing. These warrants do not expire and remain active until resolved.
With an active warrant, you can be arrested during a routine traffic stop, at your home, or even at work. Although some people are released with a new court date, the risk of being taken into custody is real. Courts generally take failure to appear seriously, especially if there is a pattern of non-compliance.
License Suspensions and Registration Holds
Unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court can also affect your driving privileges. While California no longer automatically suspends driver’s licenses solely for unpaid fines (following legislative reforms in 2017), a suspension can still occur if you fail to appear in court.
The court may notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which can lead to:
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Suspension of your driver’s license until the matter is resolved
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A hold on your vehicle registration, preventing renewal or transfer
These administrative penalties can make it difficult to drive legally or sell your vehicle until the court clears the case.
Financial and Legal Consequences of Ignoring a Ticket
Letting a traffic ticket go unpaid can lead to a growing list of complications:
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The original fine may be increased by late penalties and court fees
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The court may send the debt to collections, affecting your credit
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Your driving privileges may be suspended
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You may face arrest if a warrant is issued
If the court determines that you have the ability to pay but are willfully refusing, you could even face jail time. Judges often allow alternatives like payment plans, traffic school, or community service for those who can show financial hardship.
Arrest Scenarios: What to Expect
If you’re arrested for an unpaid traffic ticket after failing to appear:
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You may be taken into custody and booked at a local jail
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Bail may be set, and you will need to pay it to be released
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Alternatively, you could be released on your own recognizance (without bail)
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You will be required to appear in court to resolve the case
Being arrested for a traffic-related matter can also lead to a permanent criminal record if you are convicted of a misdemeanor offense.
How to Clear a Warrant or FTA Charge
If you suspect or know that a bench warrant has been issued for you due to unpaid traffic fines or a missed court date, the best course of action is to address it quickly and directly.
Steps you can take:
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Contact the traffic court in the county where the ticket was issued
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Request a court date to appear and address the warrant
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Ask the court if you are eligible for a motion to quash the warrant
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Pay the outstanding fine or arrange for a payment plan
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Consult with a traffic attorney for advice or representation if needed
Many courts offer walk-in calendars or remote options to help people resolve these matters without arrest. Taking initiative often results in more favorable outcomes than waiting to be stopped and arrested.
Broader Impact of Unresolved Traffic Matters
Beyond the immediate legal risks, unresolved traffic cases can create long-term problems:
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Your credit score may suffer if the fine is sent to collections
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A criminal record from an FTA charge can affect job prospects
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Insurance premiums may rise if points are added to your driving record
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You could lose eligibility for certain professional licenses
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Vehicle impoundment may occur if you are stopped while your license is suspended
These issues often snowball, making it harder to recover financially or legally the longer you wait.
Common Questions
Can I be arrested just for not paying a traffic ticket?
Not directly. But if you ignore the ticket and miss a required court appearance, a misdemeanor warrant can be issued, which could lead to your arrest.
Do bench warrants ever expire?
No. Bench warrants remain active until cleared by the court.
Will my driver’s license be suspended for unpaid fines?
It depends. California stopped suspending licenses solely for non-payment in most cases, but a failure to appear in court can still trigger a suspension.
Can I get a payment plan or financial relief?
Yes. Courts typically offer options for low-income individuals, including installment plans, community service, or even traffic school in lieu of payment.
What should I do if I’m stopped with an outstanding warrant?
You may be arrested. However, officers sometimes allow individuals to sign a new promise to appear depending on the case. The safest approach is to clear the warrant in advance through the court.
Conclusion
Unpaid traffic tickets in California may seem like a minor issue, but ignoring them can escalate the matter into a criminal offense. If you fail to appear in court or pay your fine, a bench warrant can be issued, your license can be suspended, and you may be arrested.
The best way to avoid these consequences is to handle your traffic tickets as soon as possible. If you’re already facing a warrant or license suspension, contact the court and seek help—legal and financial options are available to get back on track without risking arrest.
If you’re facing unpaid traffic fines, a missed court appearance, or believe a warrant may have been issued in your name, now is the time to act. Delaying action can lead to escalating legal consequences, including license suspension, added fines, and even arrest. At Southwest Legal, we help Californians navigate these issues every day—whether it’s clearing bench warrants, negotiating payment plans, reinstating licenses, or representing clients in court. Our legal team understands how stressful and confusing traffic and misdemeanor cases can be, and we’re here to offer straightforward, affordable solutions tailored to your situation. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you resolve your case quickly and effectively.
