NHTSA warns drivers: fake traffic-ticket texts are a scam
The federal safety agency does not issue tickets by text, call, or email. If you get one, delete it.
Are the traffic-ticket texts real?
No. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does not issue traffic tickets and will never text, call, or email any member of the public regarding a traffic violation, the agency said May 19.
If you receive a text claiming to be from NHTSA about a ticket or fine, delete it. Do not click any links. Do not reply.
What the scam looks like
The texts typically claim you owe money for a traffic violation and include a link to pay the fine. The link leads to a fake payment page designed to steal credit card numbers, bank account information, or personal data.
Some versions threaten license suspension or arrest if you don't pay immediately. That urgency is the tell. Real traffic tickets arrive by mail or are handed to you by a law enforcement officer at the roadside. They include a court date and instructions for contesting the citation.
What to do if you get one
Delete the message. If you clicked the link but did not enter payment information, close the browser and run a malware scan on your phone.
If you entered payment or personal information, contact your bank immediately to freeze the account and dispute any charges. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If you're unsure whether a ticket is legitimate, call the traffic court in the jurisdiction where you were allegedly cited. The court number is public record and can be found through a web search. Do not use any phone number provided in the text.
Why this matters for drivers
Owner-operators and company drivers are on the road more than most people, which makes you a higher-value target for scams that play on the fear of losing your CDL or racking up CSA points. A suspended license costs you your livelihood. Scammers know that.
Real violations go through the legal system. FMCSA violations and roadside inspections generate paper or electronic records that your carrier and your insurance company will see. Annual MVR checks leave carriers blind to suspended licenses for 11 months, but the suspension itself still comes through the state DMV, not a text message.
If you're worried about your driving record, pull your own MVR from your state DMV. Most states charge $10 to $25 for an official copy. That's the only document that matters when your insurance renews or a carrier runs a background check.
The takeaway
NHTSA does not text drivers. If you get a message claiming otherwise, it's a scam. Delete it, don't click, and move on. Real tickets come by mail or from a cop at the roadside, and they give you time to respond.
