Getting a speeding ticket in California is never pleasant, but choosing to ignore it can make things significantly worse. Many people assume the ticket might go away on its own or that missing the deadline won’t matter much. However, that’s a big mistake.
Ignoring a speeding ticket in California triggers a series of legal, financial, and administrative consequences that can follow you for years. This guide explains everything you need to know about what happens if you ignore a speeding ticket—and how to avoid turning a minor issue into a serious problem.
Ignoring a Ticket = Automatic Penalties
When you receive a traffic ticket in California, you’re legally required to either pay the fine or appear in court by the date listed on the ticket. If you do nothing, the court assumes you’re not contesting the charge and may automatically enter a guilty plea on your behalf.
This results in:
-
A conviction on your driving record
-
A civil assessment fee (usually $100 or more)
-
The loss of any chance to challenge the ticket or reduce the penalty
Failure to Appear or Pay: A New Offense
If you don’t respond to your ticket by the deadline, it’s classified as a “Failure to Appear” (FTA) or “Failure to Pay” (FTP). These are separate offenses from the original ticket and can lead to additional fines and even criminal charges.
Under California law, FTA can be charged as a misdemeanor. That means:
-
Up to $1,000 in extra fines
-
Up to six months in county jail
-
A criminal record if prosecuted
Even if you’re never arrested, the court can still proceed with penalties that affect your license and finances.
License Suspension and Registration Holds
Once the court marks your case as FTA or FTP, it typically notifies the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV can then place a hold on your driver’s license or suspend it entirely.
A suspended license means:
-
You’re driving illegally
-
You could be cited or arrested if pulled over
-
You may not be able to renew your vehicle registration
In addition, your vehicle registration can be blocked, preventing you from completing renewals until your ticket is resolved.
Risk of a Bench Warrant
In many cases, especially when there’s an FTA, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means you can be taken into custody during a traffic stop or routine interaction with law enforcement—even years after the ticket was issued.
You may not be actively pursued, but the warrant will remain in effect until it’s resolved.
DMV Points and Insurance Increases
Even if you ignore the ticket, the DMV may still add points to your driving record once a conviction is entered. Most speeding tickets result in one point, which remains on your record for three years.
These points can cause:
-
Increased auto insurance premiums
-
Disqualification from traffic school (which could have kept the point off your record)
-
Risk of license suspension under California’s Negligent Operator Treatment System if you accumulate too many points
Over time, the cost of increased insurance alone can far exceed the original ticket fine.
The Debt Doesn’t Go Away
Some people believe that ignoring a ticket long enough will make it disappear. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works in California. Unlike parking tickets or minor civil debts, a speeding ticket doesn’t have an expiration date.
Unresolved tickets remain active until paid, dismissed, or formally resolved through the court system. The fines and penalties can keep growing, and the legal consequences remain in place indefinitely.
Financial and Personal Impact
Choosing to ignore a speeding ticket can affect more than just your driving record. The ongoing consequences can include:
-
Total fines reaching $1,000 or more
-
Inability to renew your driver’s license or register your car
-
Missed job opportunities (especially if you drive for work)
-
Time off work to appear in court or handle a warrant
-
Long-term stress, financial strain, and legal complications
Ignoring a ticket often costs more in the long run than resolving it upfront.
What If You Can’t Afford to Pay?
If you’re dealing with financial hardship, the court may offer options to help:
-
Payment plans
-
Community service instead of payment
-
Requests for fine reduction based on income
Courts understand that not everyone can afford to pay in full right away. Ignoring the issue removes your ability to ask for these options.
By communicating early, you may be able to avoid extra penalties, prevent license suspension, and keep the matter from escalating.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The sooner you act on a speeding ticket, the more options you have—and the more money and stress you can save. Even if you’ve missed the initial deadline, it’s not too late to get help. Courts often allow late resolution, especially with the assistance of an experienced traffic attorney.
Call to Action: Let Southwest Legal Help You Today
If you’ve missed a deadline, have an outstanding warrant, or are dealing with a suspended license due to a speeding ticket in California, Southwest Legal is here to help. Our experienced traffic attorneys know how to navigate the system, reduce your fines, and protect your driving record.
We’ve helped Californians resolve their tickets—let us do the same for you. Contact us today for a free consultation and take control of your case before it spirals out of control.
