If you fail to pay a traffic ticket/citation or to appear in court on the hearing date (or have your attorney appear on your behalf) the court may issue a warrant for your arrest—and may add the additional charge of failure to appear, which will include additional fines and other potential consequences.
In New York, if you fail to pay a traffic ticket or do not appear in court on the scheduled hearing date, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This can also lead to an additional charge of 'failure to appear,' which is a separate offense that can result in additional fines and consequences. The New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) governs traffic violations and outlines the procedures and penalties for failing to respond to a traffic citation. If a bench warrant is issued, it authorizes law enforcement to arrest you and bring you before the court. Ignoring traffic tickets can also lead to the suspension of your driver's license, and you may incur additional penalties such as increased fines, surcharges, or even imprisonment. It is advisable to address traffic citations promptly and, if necessary, have an attorney appear in court on your behalf to avoid these serious repercussions.