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 40-plus other states if payment is not received by the date shown on the notice.
If the violation charged requires a personal appearance in court and the defendant fails to appear, the judge will order that a warrant for arrest is issued and a bail amount will be assessed.