FTA Traffic Ticket - Failure to Appear Guide
Sep 30, 2025
An FTA (Failure to Appear) is a serious legal charge added when you miss a court date or fail to pay a traffic ticket by its due date. It is not a minor oversight-it triggers immediate consequences like driver's license suspension and a bench warrant for your arrest. This situation requires urgent action, and while services like SafeDriver.com offer state-approved courses for ticket dismissal before an FTA occurs, resolving an existing FTA demands direct engagement with the court system. This guide outlines the critical steps to address this legal issue.
What Are the Immediate Consequences of an FTA?
An FTA is a separate legal charge from your original traffic violation that carries severe, automatic penalties. The moment you miss your court date or payment deadline, the court can take swift action. Your driver's license will be suspended, and the judge will typically issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means you can be taken into custody at any traffic stop or police interaction. Beyond the immediate legal trouble, an FTA becomes a matter of public record and can appear on background checks, potentially affecting future employment, housing applications, and professional licensing.
- Practical Tip: Do not ignore a traffic ticket. Respond by the deadline by paying it, contesting it, or opting for a state-approved traffic school or defensive driving course to get it dismissed and avoid an FTA altogether.
How Do You Resolve an FTA Warrant?
Resolving an FTA warrant requires proactive and immediate steps to get your life back on track. The process is managed by the court that issued the warrant, not the DMV.
- Contact the Court Immediately: This is the most critical action. Call the clerk of the court listed on your citation. They can confirm the warrant's existence and explain the specific procedure for your case, which often involves appearing before a judge.
- Understand Your Resolution Options: When you go before the judge, you may be able to plead your case by explaining your reason for the missed date (e.g., a medical emergency or clerical error). The judge may quash (recall) the warrant, but this often requires posting a new bond or fine. In some cases, you may still be eligible to complete a traffic school or driving safety course for the original violation, like a Florida 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, or the Texas 6-hour Driver Safety course as part of the resolution.
- Secure Legal Representation: Given the complexity, consulting with a traffic attorney is highly recommended. They can navigate the process on your behalf, potentially negotiate reduced penalties, and ensure your rights are protected.
What Are the Next Steps After Resolving an FTA?
After you have successfully resolved the FTA with the court, you must complete the process with your state's DMV. The court will notify the DMV that the FTA has been cleared, but your license suspension will not be lifted automatically. You must contact the DMV to pay a reinstatement fee to clear your driving record. Finally, keep copies of all court paperwork, proof of payment, and your compliance certificate (if you took a course) for your records. This documentation is crucial if any issues arise later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does FTA mean when you go to jail?
If you are arrested on another matter, an active FTA warrant will be discovered. You will be held in custody until you can see a judge to address the Failure to Appear charge.
How to get out of FTA?
You must contact the court or clerk's office listed on your citation to resolve the matter. An FTA results in a suspension of your driver license, and the court holds the authority to clear it.
How long does a FTA warrant last?
An FTA bench warrant does not expire. It remains active indefinitely until you resolve it with the court that issued it.
How do I clear a Failure to Appear in Texas?
You must follow the instructions of the course. To have the points removed for a traffic violation, you must get the court's permission to take a state-approved driving safety course or traffic school course. Then, complete the Texas 6 hour course, or Florida 4 hour course, which can be taken online and submit your certificate of completion to the court.
Does a FTA show up on a background check?
Yes, an FTA is a matter of public record and will typically appear on criminal background checks, which can impact employment and housing opportunities.
Is my life ruined if I get a misdemeanor?
No, your life is not ruined, but a misdemeanor can have serious consequences like license suspension. Options like attending a driver improvement course or driver safety course can help you avoid points on your record.