Can’t Afford a Traffic Ticket in Texas? Here’s What to Do

Traffic tickets can vary in amount, but typically they are unexpected and way more than we were planning on spending that day. But what happens when the ticket is too much that we can afford at that time or our budget won't allow this last-minute expense?

Well, in Texas, there are other avenues to paying a traffic ticket.

Can't Pay a Traffic Ticket in Texas

The first thing you DON'T want to do is refuse to pay altogether. Ignoring a traffic ticket, for whatever reason, may result in even more fines and a hold on your account that prevents you from registering your vehicle or renewing your driver's license until it's paid.

If you wait too long, you can even risk having a warrant issued for your arrest or even being charged with failing to appear in court.

NOTE: Always be aware of any potential court dates. If you don't know if you have a court date set for your ticket, call the court with the information on your ticket to double-check. You can also request to reschedule your court date, if need be.

Alternatives to Paying Traffic Fines in Texas

Texas Law Help provides four general alternatives when it comes to paying a traffic fine:

• Pay in full with a 30-day extension to the due date
• Monthly payment plan until full amount is paid
• Community service hours to work off the amount due
• Dismissing the fine or reducing the total to one you can afford

You should always be respectful to the judge when asking for an alternative that you feel would work best for you. Never demand an outcome, but peacefully explain what certain options would and wouldn't work with your situation.