Ignoring a Parking Ticket? Here's What Happens (State-by-State Guide)

Ignoring a Parking Ticket? A collage of images related to parking enforcement and consequences. The main image shows a parking enforcement officer placing a parking ticket on a car's windshield. The top right image shows a close-up of a parking ticket tucked under a windshield wiper. The bottom right image displays a person inserting a parking ticket into a payment machine. The bottom center image is an illustration of a driver’s license with a red "CANCELLED" stamp across it, suggesting consequences for unpaid fines or violations.

Ignoring a parking ticket may seem harmless, but the consequences can quickly escalate. From late fees and increased fines to license suspensions and vehicle registration holds, the penalties vary across the U.S.

Parking tickets can be annoying, especially if you feel the fine was unfair. But what happens if you don’t pay it? The short answer: it can lead to serious trouble—including late fees, license suspensions, and even collections.

In this guide, we’ll break down what can happen if you ignore a parking ticket, how different states handle unpaid fines, and why resolving the issue quickly can save you major headaches.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay or Ignoring a Parking Ticket?

Parking tickets are often issued by either public (city/state) authorities or private parking enforcement companies like R2park. While the initial fine might not seem like a big deal, ignoring it can cause long-term financial and legal consequences.

Here’s what typically happens:

Late Penalties: Most cities add late fees after 15–30 days.
Registration Block: Many DMVs won’t let you renew your vehicle registration with unpaid tickets.
License Suspension: Some states suspend your driver’s license if you have multiple unpaid violations.
Collections: Tickets often get sent to collections, which may impact your credit.
Towing/Booting: Vehicles with multiple violations may be booted or towed.

Private Parking Tickets vs. Government-Issued: What’s the Difference?

Not all tickets carry the same legal weight. Here’s the breakdown:

Ticket Issuer	Legal Authority	Consequences of Non-Payment
City or State (Public)	Legally enforceable by courts & DMVs	License suspension, registration hold, boot
Private Parking Companies	Limited enforcement power	Collection agencies, towing, denied entry

Private companies can’t typically affect your license or registration, but they can send unpaid fees to collections or tow your car if you’re on private property.

What If the Ticket Was From Another State?

Think you’re off the hook because you live in a different state? Think again.

Many states share ticket information through interstate agreements. This means:

Your DMV might block your vehicle registration
Unpaid tickets may follow you across state lines
Toll violations and parking fines may go to collections

If you travel frequently or plan to move states, unpaid tickets can resurface when you least expect them.

Unpaid Parking Tickets: Penalties by State (2025)

Each state has different rules. Here’s a look at how major U.S. states deal with unpaid parking fines:

California

DMV may place a hold on your registration.
Repeat offenders may get their vehicles booted or towed.
Late fees can double or triple the original amount.

Texas

Some counties use “Scofflaw” programs that block registration.
You could face arrest warrants in certain cities (e.g., Houston, Dallas).
Collections are common after 60–90 days.

Florida

License renewal may be denied due to outstanding fines.
Failure to pay can result in a suspended license.
Counties often forward tickets to collection agencies.

Illinois

Accumulating three or more unpaid tickets may suspend your license.
The city of Chicago is known for aggressive enforcement.
Vehicles may be booted or towed.

New York

NYC uses license plate recognition to track violators.
Vehicles with five or more unpaid fines can be towed.
Failure to pay can lead to default judgments and wage garnishment.

Georgia (Atlanta)

Three unpaid tickets? Expect a boot.
Unpaid violations often go to collections.
The Georgia Department of Revenue may block renewals.

Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)

Multiple tickets can result in towing or booting.
Unresolved fines may lead to court involvement.
Garnishment is possible in extreme cases.

Ohio

Accruing unpaid fines may lead to blocked registration.
Some cities may report to credit bureaus.
Collection efforts typically begin after 30 days.

Colorado

More than three unpaid tickets may lead to a boot or tow.
Denver enforces tickets aggressively with the Parking Violations Bureau.
Delinquent fines may be sent to third-party collectors.

New Jersey

Fines can lead to license holds if not paid.
Courts may issue municipal warrants.
DMV may block registration renewals.

What About Unpaid Tickets in Canada?

If you’re driving in Canada or have a rental vehicle, don’t ignore tickets there either.

Canadian authorities may place a hold on your license plate or block registration.
Unpaid tickets from a rental car could be billed through the rental company—with extra fees.
U.S. residents could face difficulty at border crossings if unpaid violations are flagged.

FAQs About Unpaid Parking Tickets

Can a parking ticket affect my credit score?

Yes, if it goes to a collection agency and remains unpaid, it may impact your credit.

Will unpaid tickets show up on my driving record?

Tickets from public authorities often appear if they result in license suspension or registration holds. Private tickets usually don’t.

Can I be arrested for unpaid parking tickets?

In some jurisdictions, yes—especially if you’ve ignored court summonses or have multiple outstanding violations.

How long does a parking ticket stay active?

It depends on the state. Some have statutes of limitations, but many tickets stay active indefinitely and may gain interest.

Can out-of-state tickets affect my registration?

Yes. Many DMVs share data and will refuse to renew your registration until the ticket is paid.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore It—Resolve It

Unpaid parking tickets can lead to much more than a simple fine. From license suspensions and registration holds to collections and even towing, the cost of ignoring a ticket isn’t worth the stress.

Here’s what you should do instead:

Pay the ticket early (within 15 days, if possible)
Dispute it if you believe it was issued unfairly
Contact the issuer for clarification or a payment plan

Whether your ticket came from another state, a private company, or your local city, take action before the penalties pile up.