Missing a court date for a traffic ticket might seem like a minor issue. Unfortunately, Georgia law does not treat a missed court appearance lightly. In some cases, it can quickly turn a simple traffic ticket into a more serious problem.
What are the consequences of missing your court date?
When a driver misses a scheduled court appearance for a traffic violation, the court typically issues a failure to appear (FTA) notice. Under Georgia law, this triggers several automatic penalties.
The court will likely issue a bench warrant for arrest, meaning law enforcement can detain the driver at any time. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Driver Services suspends the driver’s license until the matter is resolved. Driving with a suspended license creates another criminal offense, compounding the original problem.
Will this affect your driving record?
The FTA itself becomes part of the driving record and criminal history. Beyond the original traffic violation, the failure to appear creates a separate offense and results in an administrative driver’s license suspension. Points are assessed only if the driver is ultimately convicted of the underlying traffic violation.
Insurance companies review these records regularly. Multiple violations or an FTA can result in significantly higher premiums. Some insurers may even cancel coverage altogether.
What happens if you are arrested on a bench warrant?
Once the court issues a bench warrant, any interaction with law enforcement can lead to arrest. This could happen during a routine traffic stop or even at home. After arrest, the driver must post bond and appear before a judge. The bond amount varies depending on the original charge.
Are there additional fines and penalties?
Beyond the original traffic fine, missing court adds substantial costs. The court imposes additional fines for the FTA itself. Reinstating a suspended license also requires paying reinstatement fees to the Department of Driver Services.
Bond fees and court costs continue to accumulate the longer the issue remains unresolved. These financial penalties can quickly exceed the cost of the original traffic ticket.
Taking action to resolve your FTA
A failure to appear for a traffic ticket offense creates legal consequences that demand immediate attention. The longer the issue remains unresolved, the more severe the penalties become. Prompt action can help minimize the long-term impact on driving records.