Is it true or is it a myth?? that unpaid traffic tickets go away after 7 years. ?

Question

I have several traffic violations in several states dating back as far as 1998. I think that all together I have 6 unpaid tickets in 5 different states. I've been told that you can get records of all unpaid tickets through any DMV's, but I found out that it wasn't the case. My DMV record in 2 seperate states didn't match. I was also told that unpaid tickets disappear after 7 years, does anyone know if there's any truth to that??

Answer 1

They don't 'disappear.'  They are always 'somewhere'

A moving violation, speeding ticket, running a red light, etc.. may follow you to other states when you try to get a driver's license or even in your state.

Also, good chance a bench warrant may be issued for you and you never know.

Best thing, call each prosecuting attorney handling the case and try to make a deal before you get arrested or it costs you more $$.

Answer 2

No, they usually turn into bench warrants long before the 7 years is up.

Moving violations that you do not clear up have a nasty way of turning into a suspended license!  

Answer 3

Yes and no..

The actual ticket may have a statute of limitations if not addressed.  However, the bench warrant usually issued for failure to pay usually doesn't.

It can take a LOT of time for information to get from one state to another depending on the method.    I got a ticket in PA, it took 4 years to show up in NJs system...

Answer 4

The "effects" don't go away. Most areas issue bench warrants after the date to pay the ticket has passed. These warrants are not pursued actively but will jump up and bite you if you get stopped. They never go away.

Answer 5

Now that everything has been computerized, nothing "goes away."