paying traffic ticket late

Why You Shouldn't Pay Your Traffic Ticket Late And How To Avoid It

Written By Louis Tully
Published on October 12, 2021

Paying traffic ticket late in Utah is definitely not a smart move. It can stay on your record for a long time and even cause driving license suspensions and possible legal problems.

Read on to find out the costs of traffic tickets in Utah, the consequences of paying them late, and most importantly, how to pay your ticket on time by making use of a title loan online!

Traffic Ticket Costs In Utah

Traffic regulations in Utah state that anybody driving over the speed limit is subject to a speeding ticket. The fine increases depending on how many miles per hour over the speed limit you were driving:

  • $120 (1-10 MPH over)
  • $150 (11-15 MPH over)
  • $200 (16-20 MPH over)
  • $270 (21-25 MPH over)
  • $370 (26-30 MPH over)
  • $470 (31+ MPH over)

However, the place where you speed plays a role in the total bill of your traffic fine. For instance, speeding through a construction zone can lead to the following fines, which are considerably higher in value:

  • $170 (1-10 MPH over)
  • $220 (11-15 MPH over)
  • $320 (16-20 MPH over)
  • $470 (21-25 MPH over)
  • $670 (26-30 MPH over)
  • $870 (31+ MPH over)

Speeding in a school zone lands you these charges:

  • $140 (0-9 MPH over for first and second offense)
  • $240, $370 (10-19 MPH over for first and second offense, respectively)
  • $440, $780 (20+ MPH over for first and second offense, respectively)

Of course, some violations warrant a traffic ticket, even if they aren’t related to speeding, including but not limited to:

  • Tailgating.
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way.
  • Driving the wrong way down a one-way street.
  • Running a red light.
  • Ignoring a stop sign.
  • Impeding traffic.
  • Improper lookout, passing, or turn.
  • Negligent collision.
  • Texting while driving.
  • Careless and reckless driving.

Why You Should Never Pay Your Traffic Ticket Late

As you can see, traffic tickets can grow really pricey in Utah. But the issue only worsens if you end up paying traffic ticket late.

If you don't pay the fine by the due date or appear in court on the date specified on your ticket, Utah's courts can charge late fees, issue a warrant for your arrest, and suspend your driver's license. And yes, all of it is written on your record. 

So, we have established just how terrible paying traffic ticket late can be. Let’s talk about how to avoid making a late payment and, thus, how to avoid any of these consequences.

traffic court

How To Avoid Paying Traffic Ticket Late

Fight Or Defer Your Traffic Ticket

While only 5% of Utah residents end up fighting their traffic ticket, it's certainly a plausible avenue.

Simply paying the ticket and accepting the citation is a "guilty" plea. This is the easiest way out of a tricky situation.

But you can also fight your ticket. In this case, you’d need to head to a justice court. They will regulate and record your case. Once your case goes to trial or a pretrial conference, the judge/jury will make their decision. If you're found not guilty, you will have:

  • No points added to your record.
  • No fines or penalties.
  • All charges dropped.
  • No increase or decrease in car insurance rates.

Use A Title Loan Online To Pay It

If you can't afford the fine out of pocket but you want to avoid paying traffic ticket late, using a title loan is one route you can take. It can give you access to money in less than a day, allowing you to meet your traffic ticket's deadline. 

Getting a title loan online is a short-term option made for emergencies. It lets you borrow a lump sum of money depending on the value of your vehicle. With us at Utah Title Loans, Inc., you can qualify for anywhere from $300 to $15,000.

title loan online

How To Get A Title Loan Online

Acquiring a title loan happens through a simple process. Follow the steps below to find out just how easy it is:

  1. Fill out a simple inquiry form for the Utah title loans process.
  2. Wait for one of our friendly loan representatives to give you a call to discuss the process, answer your questions, and set up a meeting location of your choice. They should also tell you about the documents you need to supply.
  3. Head to the agreed location with your driver's license (or another kind of state-issued identification), lien-free title to your vehicle, and your vehicle itself.
  4. Wait while the loan representative inspects your vehicle and paperwork to determine your eligibility.
  5. If you're eligible, you can finish the paperwork with the help of our loan representative.
  6. Finally, you receive the money you need on the same day or the following business day!

Qualify For A Title Loan Online Today

Avoiding paying traffic ticket late is very important to avoid legal trouble or license issues that could go on your permanent record. However, some traffic tickets may be too expensive to pay out of pocket.

That’s when a title loan online can be an option worth considering. Find out if you qualify today by submitting the online form to get started. 

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Louis Tully

Louis Tully is a full-time finance writer offering financial expertise to everyday consumers. He understands the core values of finance and used his writing talents to share his own experiences with money to his readers. His articles teach how financial failures can easily become successes by making new habits and creating realistic goals.