What Happens if I Don’t Pay a Ticket in New Mexico?
October 17, 2024 | New Mexico Law
Ignoring a traffic ticket can result in serious consequences. While no one wants to pay traffic tickets, you are required to do so by law or fight the ticket in court. The penalties for failing to pay a ticket in New Mexico can cost much more than the original fine for the violation.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay a Speeding Ticket or Other Traffic Ticket in New Mexico?
When a police officer issues you a traffic ticket, you have the option to pay the fine or contest the ticket in court. If you do not pay the ticket or fail to appear in court, the court may assess one or more penalties, including:
- Issuing a bench warrant for your arrest
- Additional fines and assessments
- Notifying the New Mexico MVD, who will likely suspend your driver’s license
Depending on the violation and circumstances, the court could take other action if you fail to appear or pay a fine. If you continue to drive with a suspended license, you may receive another traffic ticket if the police stop you. If you agreed to pay the fine when you were issued the ticket, your insurance rates could go up because you are essentially pleading guilty to the violation.
What Can I Do if I Can’t Afford to Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Mexico?
You can make payments to the court, but the ticket must be paid in full before the date listed on the ticket. If you cannot pay a traffic ticket, you may request to perform community service. The hours you work are credited toward your fees and fines. You must complete the community service by the deadline set by the court.
How Do I Pay a Traffic Ticket in New Mexico?
The back of the ticket lists how to pay a traffic ticket’s fine. You may pay the traffic ticket in person at the designated court. Some courts allow individuals to mail payments or pay fines online. If you are unsure how to pay a traffic ticket, contact the court listed on the ticket for help.
If I Go to Traffic Court, How Should I Plead?
When you appear in court, you have three choices for a plea:
- Not Guilty – You are stating that you did not commit the traffic violation. A not-guilty plea results in your case being placed on the docket for a trial.
- Guilty – Pleading guilty means that you admit you committed the traffic offense. You will be required to pay the fine assessed by the court. Depending on the violation, there could be other penalties.
- No Contest – A plea of no contest has the same effect as a guilty plea. You are not admitting you committed the traffic offense. However, you are not contesting the charges and agree to accept the punishment issued by the court.
Your choice of a plea can have considerable consequences. A speeding ticket does not carry the same punishment as a ticket for driving under the influence. Therefore, seeking legal counsel before entering a plea in court is wise.
Do Parking Tickets Go on Your Record?
Parking tickets are non-moving violations. Most non-moving violations are not part of your driving record. However, failing to pay traffic tickets can have severe consequences.
Failure to pay or contest a parking ticket could lead to double and triple the original fine. The court may assess additional costs and fees in addition to the original citation amount. Your vehicle may be immobilized and towed if you have several unpaid parking tickets.
You can pay parking citations for the City of Albuquerque online, in person, or by mail.
Traffic Violations Can Lead to Serious Car Accidents
New Mexico traffic laws protect everyone on the road. The laws are designed to help drivers avoid accidents. Violating traffic laws can contribute to the cause of a car accident.For example, drivers must yield the right of way at red lights. Running a red light could cause a collision that results in substantial property damage and injuries. The driver responsible for causing the accident could be liable for the victim’s economic and non-economic damages.
Contact the New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyers at Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in Albuquerque, NM, and need legal help, contact our Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
400 Gold Avenue SW, Suite 650
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 594-3621