Failing to pay for a ticket for running a red light can affect your credit score if the municipality in which you committed the violation sends the ticket to a collection agency. Once that happens, you could lose anywhere from 50 to 100 points or more. Someone with an excellent score is more likely to take a serious hit.
Other Considerations
Before you decide to not pay a red light ticket, do your homework. Investigate to see whether the local government can send your account to a collection agency. If the municipality has such a policy, you might find that paying the fine is a much better option than a significant credit hit.
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Writer Bio
Neil Kokemuller has been an active business, finance and education writer and content media website developer since 2007. He has been a college marketing professor since 2004. Kokemuller has additional professional experience in marketing, retail and small business. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Iowa State University.