What Happens If I Don’t Pay a Traffic Ticket in 30 Days?
If you do not pay your traffic ticket within 30 days of receiving it, the state may suspend your license. Florida statutes state that citations must be paid within 30 calendar days from the date the officer issued them. If that due date has come and gone, and the fine is still unpaid, you may need legal help from a trustworthy traffic attorney.
Traffic Ticket Payment Options
According to I Drive Safely, the most common traffic tickets that police officers issue in Florida are for speeding, careless driving, and running red lights. If you are the recipient of a violation, you have 30 days to decide how you want to handle it. Local county clerks offer three choices:
- Admit guilt, pay the fine, and get points on your record.
- Pay the fine and avoid the points by going to driving school.
- Go to court and dispute the citation.
Consequences of Late Traffic Ticket Payments
If you find yourself outside Florida’s court-required 30-day window for paying your fine, you could face harsh penalties like license suspension and additional fees. Because you have failed to follow the citation’s requirements, you may lose your driving privileges indefinitely. To reinstate your license, you would have to go back to county court, then pay a reinstatement fee, but your license may also be suspended indefinitely if you choose to attend traffic school and do not finish the course.
Can I Set Up a Payment Plan for My Traffic Ticket?
If you are not able to pay your traffic ticket within 30 days, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court. In some cases, you may be granted a one-time extension that would give you another 30 days to pay the traffic ticket. Do not take this allowance lightly. If the clerk does not receive payment at the end of the extension, do not expect another one. The court would likely move to suspend your license until you pay your fines in full.
Do not wait to find out what happens if you do not pay for a traffic ticket in 30 days. Florida’s laws are very specific and if you miss this important deadline, you may need legal help. Our talented team of criminal defense attorneys would work hard to ensure you get the fair treatment in traffic court you deserve. Contact us today if you have a legal issue that requires a representative to vouch for you and lay out a defense strategy.
