If you miss your traffic court date, several serious consequences can occur:

• Guilty Finding in Your Absence: The judge will likely find you guilty of the traffic violation without your presence, which means you lose the chance to contest the ticket

• Additional Fines: Courts often impose a Failure to Appear (FTA) fine on top of your original ticket fine. For example, in North Carolina, this fine is typically around $200, and in Houston, it can be $244 plus additional fees

• License Suspension: The court may notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, which can suspend your driver's license until you resolve the case and pay all fines

• Bench Warrant/Arrest Warrant: For more serious charges or repeated failures to appear, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means law enforcement can arrest you at any time, including during routine stops or at your home or workplace

• Possible Jail Time: If arrested on a warrant, you may have to post bond or remain in jail until your court appearance, potentially spending days in custody

• Increased Insurance Rates: Unresolved tickets and fines can lead to higher auto insurance premiums

• Additional Legal Trouble: Accumulating fines and unresolved cases can escalate legal consequences and complicate your driving record

What to do if you miss your court date:

• Contact the court immediately to explain your absence and find out how to reschedule or resolve the case

• Consider consulting a traffic attorney to help minimize penalties and handle any warrants issued against you

• Pay any fines promptly to avoid license suspension and additional fees

In summary, missing a traffic court date can lead to fines, license suspension, arrest warrants, and other legal troubles. Prompt action is necessary to mitigate these consequences.