What is the latest time frame for handling minor traffic violations?
3 Answers
Traffic violation processing deadlines are determined based on the type of penalty notice issued. Caught in the act: When a vehicle commits a violation and is caught by traffic police on the spot, the officer will issue an immediate ticket. For such tickets, the fine must be paid at a designated bank within 15 days. Failure to pay within 15 days will result in a 3% late fee charged daily, though the total late fee cannot exceed the original fine amount. Accident liability determination: After a traffic accident occurs and police determine responsibility based on comprehensive circumstances, the party found to have violated traffic laws will receive a penalty notice. This fine must also be paid within 15 days. Caught via surveillance: For violations captured by road surveillance cameras while driving - such as speeding, running red lights, crossing solid lines, improper turns, or driving the wrong way - which are discovered either online or at traffic police stations, there is no strict time limit for handling. However, these must be resolved before the vehicle's annual inspection, otherwise the inspection will not be approved. Illegal parking: When a vehicle is parked illegally and receives a ticket from traffic police, this can also be temporarily deferred until the vehicle's inspection time.
I got a speeding ticket two years ago and didn’t pay much attention to it, just left it there. Two months later when I went to handle it, I found the fine had increased by almost half due to late fees—it really hurt. Generally, for minor traffic violations, you should deal with them within 15 days of receiving the notice. Otherwise, many places will start charging an additional 3% of the fine per day, which can double the amount in just a month. Some cities extend the grace period to 30 days, but it’s best not to delay. Delaying not only increases the fine but also affects your vehicle’s annual inspection—mine failed that year, and I had to spend extra time sorting it out. My advice is to pay the fine as soon as you receive the violation notification via text or app. Nowadays, you can do it easily through WeChat mini-programs—super convenient. Develop a habit of checking your violation records regularly, so you don’t end up regretting it months later like I did.
Don't delay handling traffic violations – I've seen plenty in my over ten years of driving. The first 15 days after a violation is the golden period. After that, late fees start accumulating, increasing by a few dollars each day. If left unpaid for too long, the late fees can double the original fine. In severe cases, the traffic police system may lock your vehicle records, preventing you from passing annual inspections. I even know a friend whose driver's license was suspended over this. It's best to check local regulations online – some places have even shorter deadlines for highway violations. My advice is to handle it as soon as you receive the notice, using the official app to input your details and avoid queuing in person. The longer you delay, the higher the cost, not to mention the risk of forgetting details, which could affect your credit score.
