If you received a minor traffic citation like speeding, failure to control speed to avoid a collision, or running a stop sign, you have 30 days to request a trial, waiver hearing, or pay the citation. If you fail to act within 30 days, your driver's license will be suspended which will lead to bigger problems for you. It gets worse if the MVA does not have your current address because the suspension notice may never get to you. You can then be charged with driving on a suspended license which is a must appear offense.

As I have mentioned previously in this blog, you should always request a trial and not a waiver hearing. A trial requires the police officer to be there and they sometimes do not show up. If the police officer fails to appear, you will be acquitted. A waiver hearing admits your guilt and does not require the presence of the police officer.

What do you do if you missed the 30 day deadline? You should immediately file a motion to have the case scheduled for trial. If the motion is granted, the suspension will be lifted and you will get a trial date. If the motion is denied, you will have to pay the ticket and will receive points for any moving violation.

Now, some tickets do not carry points and you may decide to pay them and instead of going to court. Examples include failure to display a license and driving on a suspended registration. However, even some tickets that do not carry points can result in a suspension if you pay them such as driving in violation of a license restriction. If you are unsure, reach out to me.

Do not ignore the ticket or your license will be suspended. Deal with it promptly and you can avoid making a bad situation worse.