All summonses, whether traffic, criminal or ordinance violations must be answered either by payment or a personal appearance in court. If a person fails to respond by the date shown on the summons, the court must take further action:
- If the violation charged is payable a failure to appear notice is sent to the defendant. An additional $10 penalty is assessed and the defendant is warned that a warrant will be issued and driving privileges will be suspended in New Jersey and most other states if payment is not received by the date shown on the notice.
- If the violation charged requires a personal appearance in the court and the defendant fails to appear, the judge will order that a warrant for arrest be issued and a bail amount will be assessed.