The Facts

• Being absent for traffic court is known as a failure to appear (FTA). Courts take this violation very seriously, and many issue an immediate warrant for the arrest of such offenders.
  
  

Penalties

• In addition to a warrant, there are also other stiff penalties that an individual faces when not showing up for traffic court. Your driver's license will be suspended, and any attempt to have it renewed will be denied. You may also be ordered to pay fees, and be denied the right to have any other vehicles registered in your name during this time.
  
  

Warning

• If your license is suspended due to a failure to appear, steps should be taken to have it reinstated before driving your vehicle. To do this you will have to comply with any additional penalties imposed by the court. In Illinois, if you drive while your license is suspended, you are guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.