If you ignore your ticket, the consequences can escalate quickly depending on your jurisdiction. Initially, failing to respond or appear in court by the deadline can result in additional fines, a bench warrant for your arrest, and a suspension of your driver’s license. Over time, your debt may be sent to collections, damaging your credit score. For moving violations, ignoring a ticket can lead to points on your driving record, higher insurance rates, and potentially more severe penalties if you’re stopped again. In some cases, especially for more serious offenses or repeated noncompliance, law enforcement may arrest you, and the court could impose harsher sanctions, including jail time. The longer you delay resolving the issue, the more complex and costly it becomes. It’s almost always better to address the ticket—either by paying the fine, contesting it in court, or seeking legal counsel—rather than letting it go unresolved.