What happens if you don't pay your parking tickets?

Worst case scenario, it could (eventually) go to a collection agency.

It depends on your state. Here in Ohio, you can’t register your vehicle until they’re paid.

Worst case it goes to collection agency ( will affect your credit score ) also could impact your insurance costs. Or as @tedibear said you will not be able to register your vehicles. They don’t go away and several cities look at it as REVENUE, they will hound you or turn it over to an “agency”.

I wouldn’t be surprised if in some states, it could affect the status of your driving license.

One ticket: You might get away with it. Multiple tickets: Depending on your city’s resources and commitment to collecting, your vehicle goes into the violator database and if it’s spotted, can end up with a “boot” or impounded until full payment is made. It really isn’t worth that hassle. Pay the ticket, even if you disagree with it.

I don’t know why everyone’s saying that the worst case scenario is that it goes to a collections agency. That’s pretty much the best case scenario, as collection agencies are generally willing to accept a smaller amount than you actually owe. The worst case scenario is that you get a warrant taken out for your arrest, and spend several nights in jail.

In California you have to pay them off to register your car for another year. And you pay the “I forgot” rate. If you get enough in San Francisco, you may get a Denver boot, which requries paying them all off plus a boot fee to get the boot taken off, or you get towed, which requires paying them all off at once, plus the towing and any storage charges.

And if you get pulled over for something else, you can get arrested, too.

If you live in Philly it will be booted/towed after only 3 tickets accumulated.

If it’s there longer than 30 days, it goes for sale at auction.

How parking tickets are treated totally depends upon where you live. If the city sees it as a revenue source (usually to line the politicians pockets) watch out.

In Los Angeles, a Denver boot can be attached to your vehicle if you have 5 or more unpaid tickets.

If you’re feeling adventurous, check out marcstevens.net. This in particular.

Massachusetts! Two tickets from two different towns.