Do I still need to handle traffic violations if the car is not in use?
4 Answers
Traffic violations need to be handled even if the car is not in use. Below are the consequences of not handling violations: Late fees penalty: If the violation was issued on the spot by a traffic officer with your driver's license and vehicle registration, and it's not handled within 15 days, late fees will be charged without additional penalty points. The late fee is 3% per day, up to the original fine amount. License and vehicle seizure: If there are more than 3 unhandled violations and you're caught driving, your driver's license may be confiscated, and in severe cases, your vehicle may be impounded. If there are more than 10 unhandled traffic violations, the traffic management department can legally impound the vehicle. Failed vehicle inspection: Unhandled violations will prevent your vehicle from passing annual, quarterly, or comprehensive inspections. If violations are not cleared before the inspection, the vehicle will not pass. The inspection date is marked on the vehicle registration; generally, you can have the inspection done up to three months in advance.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I believe this matter must be addressed, even if the car isn't being driven. Traffic violation records will persistently follow your license plate or driver's license and won't disappear automatically. Last year when I wanted to sell an old car, I discovered unresolved violations that prevented the transfer of ownership—I had to pay the fine first. And that's not all; if you plan to buy another car or handle driver's license matters in the future, the list of violations might cause trouble, affecting your credit or insurance quotes. The best approach is to check the Traffic Management 12123 app or make payments via your phone—it's simple and quick. Don't take chances; the longer you delay, the more the fine might double or even lead to legal trouble. Develop the habit of clearing records promptly—it saves both peace of mind and money.
From a legal perspective, traffic violations must be dealt with, regardless of whether the vehicle is still in use or not. I've seen many cases where ignoring violations can lead to accumulated fines, increased late fees, or even obstacles when applying for a new driver's license in the future. The system records won't be cleared just because you stop driving. For example, clearing violation tickets is required to pass the annual vehicle inspection. The practical advice is to act promptly: check your records at the local traffic police station or online platforms and pay off the fines. Don't assume it's a trivial matter—it concerns personal integrity and may affect daily life, especially if you end up on a blacklist. Take the time to resolve it to avoid unnecessary financial burdens and troubles.
If you don't drive the car anymore, you must still handle any traffic violations. Otherwise, when you want to transfer ownership or get the car inspected, you'll run into issues. I speak from experience—I once neglected to deal with a violation out of laziness, and later when I tried to sell the car, I found I couldn't complete the paperwork. The fine amount might be small, but if you don't pay on time, interest can accrue, or you might face enforcement actions. It's very simple to handle: just use the traffic management app, enter your license plate number to check, and pay online. It only takes a few minutes. Don't procrastinate, as it could lead to bigger problems later, affecting your insurance or credit.
