What can happen if you fail to appear or respond to a traffic citation?

Failing to appear or respond to a traffic citation can lead to the suspension of your driver's license. This consequence serves as a legal mechanism to ensure compliance with traffic laws. When an individual does not address a citation, whether by paying the fine or disputing it in court, the court may take further action, which often includes notifying the Department of Licensing to suspend the individual’s driving privileges. This response underscores the importance of addressing any traffic citations promptly to avoid escalation into more severe penalties, including potential difficulties in regaining the right to drive.

In contrast, receiving a warning does not align with the consequences of ignoring a citation, as warnings are typically issued for minor infractions or first-time offenses. Additionally, while it's true that not addressing a citation could lead to a fine, simply ignoring it does not automatically result in a fine being paid; it could lead to more severe repercussions instead. Lastly, failing to respond to a traffic citation is likely to negatively affect your driving record rather than keep it clear, as legal actions resulting from such non-responsiveness can result in points being added to the record or other complications.