Every driver gets a parking ticket on occasion. Whether your traffic citation was a mistake or you accidentally parked in a “no-parking” zone, it’s essential to pay for your ticket as soon as possible in Silver Spring, MD. The consequences of unpaid parking citations can be severe and hard to correct if you don’t act quickly.
You may experience several possible consequences if you don’t pay for your parking citation on time. For example, unpaid tickets can result in additional penalties of $25 if the ticket isn’t paid by the due date, along with more penalties if you have multiple unpaid tickets. An unpaid parking citation can also result in harsher consequences.
In Maryland, an unpaid ticket can prevent you from renewing the registration on your vehicle, which will prevent you from driving. Unpaid tickets can result in the suspension of your license and even cause your car to get a boot or be impounded until all tickets, and late penalties are paid. These consequences are in addition to parking citations going on your motor vehicle record for several years.
How Long Do You Have to Pay Your Ticket?
After receiving a parking citation, you will have 15 days to pay for the ticket. It’s important to note that you will have 15 calendar days, not 15 business days. In other words, weekends will count toward the days you have to pay for your ticket. This is why it’s a good idea to pay for your ticket as soon as possible.
If you don’t pay for your ticket within 15 days, a $25 late fee will be added to your penalties. After 45 days, another $25 will be added, and your unpaid citation will go into collections. In Maryland, all unpaid parking citations go to collection agencies or will eventually need to be settled in civil court, particularly if you need to restore your vehicle registration.
How Can You Pay Your Ticket?
You have several ways to pay for a parking citation in Maryland. One of the fastest ways to pay for your ticket is through a secure online terminal, which can be done on the same day you get your ticket. You also can pay by telephone with a credit card or by mail with a check. If you prefer to pay in person, you can visit your local district court or your Motor Vehicle Administration office.
How Can You Avoid a Citation in the Future?
The easiest way to avoid a parking citation in the future is to ensure your parking permit is easily visible on your vehicle, including carpool permits and valid handicap signs. It would be best if you also considered setting a timer for your parking meter on your phone so you can pay for meters before the time expires.
Unpaid parking citations can cause serious consequences, such as additional fines or the inability to renew your vehicle registration. After paying for your ticket, visit DARCARS Volkswagen to treat your car to routine service.
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