What happens if i don't pay a speed-camera speeding ticket from another state?

Answer 1

I am not sure, but I am going to find out. I just got one in DC--what a ripoff and just a revenue enhancing measure--and from what I can tell, if you have out of state tags there isn't much they can do to actually enforce it. So here is what I seem to know so far: the ticket says if you fail to pay it, the fine will double and if your vehicle is registered in the District, you will not be able to renew your tags. In addition, you may lose privileges to drive within the District.

A speed camera ticket is different from an actual moving violation written up by an officer of the law. From what I have gathered, a speed camera ticket is much like a parking ticket--a civil violation (versus a criminal violation for a speed ticket written by an officer)--and thus not liable to the same enforcement.

They will double the fine and continue to send notices. If still not paid, it is likely they will refer it to a collection agency. If ignored, it is highly likely that the collection agency will refer the unpaid debt to credit reporting agencies. This in and of itself does not bother me--these things fall off your credit report after 6 years.

Now, the big question I am going to find out is if I do not pay the speed camera ticket, will DC be able to refer it to Maryland and prevent the renewal of my registration. I am thinking the answer is no. I guess I will find out.

Anyone know anything else or more concrete?

UPDATE - April 2013

I filed a sophisticated scientific challenge to the tickets with D.C. I got a postcard from them saying it might take up to 6 months to get a response. After 10 months went by, I figured they let me off. No way. A YEAR LATER, they wrote summarily dismissing my appeals.

I did not pay the tickets. A few months later I received a form letter from some collection agency asking for $500 (D.C. had doubled the fines).

I have no intention of paying. There is nothing the collection agency can do other than report this to credit agencies. This does not bother me, as I do not need any loans, and any report will fall off credit history in 7 years. If this would be a problem for you, I suggest you pay up. However, I am not giving D.C. any $500 and neither should you.