I was searching online and found a parking ticket from 2022 for going over the metered time. It says the fine is around $150 and that there was already a court date, but I didn’t even know about it! This was in Delaware Magisterial Court, PA. The ticket is marked as inactive and awaiting a plea. Can I just pay the fine and be done with it? Is there any chance I could get arrested even if I pay? Let me know if anyone has dealt with something like this before.
I don’t think you can get arrested for a parking ticket, even if the court date was missed. Usually, it’s just a fine. Did you check if you can pay it online?
Mackenzie said:
I don’t think you can get arrested for a parking ticket, even if the court date was missed. Usually, it’s just a fine. Did you check if you can pay it online?
Yeah, I found the option to pay online, but I’m nervous about it somehow triggering a warrant or more trouble. Does that ever happen?
@Weston
Not for parking tickets, from what I’ve seen. Warrants usually come up for more serious stuff. You should be fine if you pay it.
Was there a reason you missed the court date? Did the court send you anything else after?
Dustin said:
Was there a reason you missed the court date? Did the court send you anything else after?
I never got anything because my mail system is kind of a mess. Stuff gets lost all the time, so I had no idea about the court date.
@Weston
Makes sense. If it’s marked as inactive and just waiting for a plea, you’re probably in the clear to pay it without worrying.
Parking tickets usually don’t go on your record, even if they’re old. You said it’s inactive, so it’s just waiting for you to handle it.
Cleo said:
Parking tickets usually don’t go on your record, even if they’re old. You said it’s inactive, so it’s just waiting for you to handle it.
That’s what I thought, but I was worried it could somehow lead to something bigger, like a license suspension or a court summons.
@Weston
Nah, parking violations are minor. They don’t suspend licenses for stuff like this unless it’s unpaid for ages and linked to your registration.
So your car’s license plate wasn’t recorded? That’s odd. Are you sure it’s your ticket?
Nye said:
So your car’s license plate wasn’t recorded? That’s odd. Are you sure it’s your ticket?
Yeah, it’s definitely mine. The info matches up with the time and location I parked. Just no plate listed for some reason.
@Weston
Weird, but as long as it’s tied to your name and not a random mistake, paying it should close the case.
If you pay it online, make sure to keep a receipt or confirmation. You don’t want any surprises later.
Zayne said:
If you pay it online, make sure to keep a receipt or confirmation. You don’t want any surprises later.
Good idea, I’ll save all the proof just in case. Thanks for the tip!