The Forgotten Fines: Tales of Dropped Tickets and Late Payments

Introduction

Have you ever received a bill for a parking or speeding ticket you forgot about? In this article, we explore some of these common yet embarrassing scenarios. From the nuisance of a parking ticket that spiraled into a larger issue, to the consequences of a forgotten speeding ticket that almost derailed a career, we'll delve into the lessons learned from these often-overlooked fines.

Parking Ticket in Ontario, Canada

I remember it clearly: while doing jury duty in a small town in Ontario, Canada, I had to park in an area that was full of metered parking spaces. With the need to find a spot, I parked down a side street where all the spots in the public parking lot were already taken. Due to the urgency, I opted for a two-hour parking spot, only to find out later that I had been parked there for much longer than intended—over four hours. I was hit with a $10 fine, but with the promise of an 8% discount if I paid up within 24 hours.

What followed was a notification in the mail, which included an additional surcharge—referred to as a "stupidity tax"—and a stern threat of either clamping or booting my car, or even denying my car registration renewal until the fine was settled. The irony wasn't lost on me; the punishment seemed disproportionate to the offense.

Forgetting a Speeding Ticket in Virginia, the 1980s

In my younger years, living in Virginia, I received a speeding ticket and promptly forgot about it. The ramifications of this overlooked fine didn’t come to light until a trucking company conducted a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) check when I applied for a job with them. The suspended driving privilege due to the unpaid ticket prevented me from securing the position. I ended up paying the ticket just to clear the suspension and obtain my driving rights again. Although I held a Tennessee license, which was valid in most states, Virginia’s strict regulations necessitated this payment.

Late Payment Penalties and Their Consequences

A recurrent issue is the late payment penalty, as detailed in this RMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) warning. If you neglect to pay a fine, it will remain on your record until you settle it, along with the associated late fees. You might also miss your court appearance as a result, which could impact your driving privileges. It’s always best to make the payment as soon as possible to avoid any further complications.

A Lesson in Adversity: A Weak Case and the Consequences

One time, I received a speeding ticket and was considering challenging it in court, but my case was quite weak. Choosing to pay the fine seemed like the better option. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough cash on hand, and my next paycheck arrived the very day after the due date. On payday, following the deposit of my check, my sister and I headed to the police station to pay the fine. Upon arrival, an officer explained the city ordinance that required me to be arrested and processed, though it was merely a formality with a quick release.

The process was more rigorous than expected. First, I was searched via a pat-down and then asked to empty my pockets. A formal document was filled out recording the contents of my pockets. The officer questioned whether the cash was to pay the fine, and upon confirmation, suggested my sister handle the payment to expedite the process. Afterward, I was escorted to a cell where my sister paid the fine. Miraculously, I was released within about five minutes, with no long-term repercussions.

Conclusion

While forgetting to pay a parking or speeding ticket might seem inconsequential at the time, it can lead to significant headaches and financial burdens down the line. Whether it's a parking ticket, speeding ticket, or late payment penalty, timely action is crucial to avoid the hassle. Remember, staying organized and paying fines promptly can save you time, money, and potential legal troubles.