What happens if you fail to appear in court for a traffic violation?

When you fail to appear in court for a traffic violation, one significant consequence is the potential for additional fines or the issuance of a warrant for your arrest. The court takes failure to appear seriously, as it disrupts the legal process. Consequently, instead of merely overlooking the absence, the court may impose penalties. These can include higher fines associated with the violation itself and sometimes may lead to a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. This means law enforcement could actively seek to apprehend you, which can have further serious implications for your record and future legal standing.

This emphasizes the importance of attending court for any issued traffic violations and understanding that consequences extend beyond the initial ticket.