I got a ticket: to pay or not to pay (attn: Canadians)

[Jay 535i]

I live in Ontario and have an Ontario driver's licence.

Last month I was stopped for speeding in New York State. The cop was nice enough to let me off with only a ticket for failure to use my four-way flashers while stopped roadside.

I pled guilty through the mail and just heard back from them.

The fine is $25, plus a $55 'surcharge'. This is in US dollars.

The letter says that if I don't pay, the Albany court will revoke my license (which I'm pretty sure they can't do to a Canadian).

Should I pay? What are the consequences if I don't?

[peks]

you better pay we need the money to help our poor

[Jay 535i]

you better pay we need the money to help our poor

Ah, go shove it up yer tailpipe.

Besides, I need the money myself so I can donate it to the poor.

[peks]

but.. i dont think they would put a warrant out for your arrest for that typ of ticket. read the small print.

[uscharalph]

I live in Ontario and have an Ontario driver's licence.

Last month I was stopped for speeding in New York State. The cop was nice enough to let me off with only a ticket for failure to use my four-way flashers while stopped roadside.

I pled guilty through the mail and just heard back from them.

The fine is $25, plus a $55 'surcharge'. This is in US dollars.

The letter says that if I don't pay, the Albany court will revoke my license (which I'm pretty sure they can't do to a Canadian).

Should I pay? What are the consequences if I don't?

It's $80.00, why risk any consequences over $80.00?

[Jay 535i]

It's $80.00, why risk any consequences over $80.00?

I doubt there are consequences. I'd just as soon hang on to my $80 if there aren't.

[uscharalph]

I doubt there are consequences. I'd just as soon hang on to my $80 if there aren't.

You doubt, but you don't know. And how about the warrant for your arrest in the US?

[Jay 535i]

You doubt, but you don't know.

Well that's why I'm asking! Duh.

And how about the warrant for your arrest in the US?

It says (and I said) that the 'punishment' is having my license revoked, which I think NY cannot do to me. You seriously think I should fear being arrested!?

My only fear is that my plate number will be added to some sort of black list and that travelling through NY will become much more difficult or impossible.

[TheDuke]

You won't be able to get a license in state of NY, till you pay the ticket. You can always send it back and appeal it. I got few tickets myself from different states (about year old), police haven't done anything about them yet, no warrant nothing. They both were much higher fines than yours. I'm sure NY troopers have more important stuff to do. It's all about you consciousness, are you to live as a felon, life on the other side of the line...,once you cross to the dark side, there is no coming back. Next thing you know you will be on TV in Cops. lol

[Dave M]

I doubt there are consequences. I'd just as soon hang on to my $80 if there aren't.

A little story:

"A friend of mine" driving a Texas plated vehicle through Mobile Alabama at a high rate of speed, was pulled over and almost charged with reckless driving (95 in a 45 or something of the like). The burly southern officer let the skinny, pasty Canadian off with a large ticket (sum not disclosed) which, due to a very busy life and lack of funds, was never paid. "My friend" has not experienced any ill-effects from the encounter , but will not be driving through Alabama prior to rectifying the situation

Dave M