What would happen if I decide not to pay a traffic fine in state in which I don’t live?
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What would happen if I decide not to pay a traffic fine in state in which I don’t live?
I received a red light camera ticket in mail from when I was on vacation. I live in another state. The fine is $490. What would happen if I chose to ignore the ticket since I don’t even live in
that state?
Asked on June 14, 2016 under General Practice, Texas
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Every state has a slightly different procedure... however, if you ignore a ticket, then the court can issue a warrant for your arrest. However, if you are arrested in a different state, then most states will not extradite for a traffic ticket. This means that the state won't involuntarily drag you back.
If the traffic ticket is the type that could result in suspension, then the ticketing state could ask your home state to enforce the suspension under the full faith and credit theory.
So... bottom line, nothing may happen, but the potential consequences could be very inconvenient should they actually occur.
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