NHTSA Clarifies It Is Not Issuing Traffic Tickets – How to Handle Suspicious Citations and Calls

The increase in fraud when it comes to tickets, tolls, and other road related charges has been alarming in recent years. People check their messages and find a note saying they owe an unpaid traffic ticket. In a rush to get things right, many people simply click on the link and pay the fee, without thinking to double-check the validity of the claim. And scammers rely on that.

Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a public warning about the wave of impersonation scams. One thing remains true: NHTSA will never contact any member of the public who wants to pay for a traffic violation. Here’s what you need to know about these growing scams and how to handle them when you find them.

NHTSA Does Not Issue Traffic Tickets

First and foremost, NHTSA not traffic enforcement agency. NHTSA is the federal agency that focuses on vehicle safety. According to NHTSA, it does not issue traffic citations and will never text, call, or email members of the public about traffic violations or unpaid fines. Traffic tickets are issued by state and local law enforcement agencies, courts, and federal agencies, not NHTSA. Fraudsters exploit a legitimate-sounding agency name to make fake messages appear legitimate.

Scammers also rely on creating an immediate sense of danger. Scam texts and calls often say that your driver’s license will be suspended, a warrant will be issued, or additional penalties will apply unless payment is made immediately. Official guidance from the Federal Trade Commission warns that fraudsters often rely on fear and urgency because panicked consumers are more likely to act without verifying information.

These messages may include fake case numbers, court references, or signs that look legitimate to increase credibility. If a message forces you to act quickly, that’s usually a sign to slow down and investigate further. Here are a few other red flags to watch out for.

Suspicious Payment Requests Are a Big Red Flag

Official government agencies generally follow established procedures when collecting fines and fees. Fraudsters often demand payment in unusual ways such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or digital payment apps. These payment methods attract criminals because transactions are difficult to reverse. A text seeking immediate payment through one of these channels should raise serious concerns.

Never Click Links or Scan QR Codes in Unsolicited Messages

Most traffic ticket scams are designed to steal information rather than collect fraudulent fines. There has been an increase in scam texts that include QR codes or links that direct recipients to fraudulent websites. These sites often resemble government web pages and may ask for Social Security numbers, driver’s license information, bank account information, or credit card numbers. In some cases, clicking the link may expose devices to malware.

Verify Any Quote Directly Through Official Channels

If you are concerned that the ticket may be valid, do not rely on the information provided in the message. Instead, contact the appropriate court, local law enforcement agency, DMV, or traffic authorities using the contact information you obtain independently. NHTSA recommends verifying vehicle-related information directly through official government websites and reliable sources.

Even if you caught it and didn’t lose money, it’s important to report these scams. Doing so can help authorities identify trends and alert the public. You should report impersonation scams to local law enforcement, state consumer protection agencies, and the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC’s ReportFraud website collects information that can help investigators track emerging schemes. A seemingly small report today can help prevent others from becoming victims tomorrow.

Have you ever received a suspicious text or phone call saying you owe money for a traffic violation? Share your experience in the comments below.

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