Failing to pay for a ticket for running a red light can affect your credit score if the municipality in which you committed the violation sends the ticket to a collection agency. Once that happens, you could lose anywhere from 50 to 100 points or more. Someone with an excellent score is more likely to take a serious hit.
Other Considerations
Before you decide to not pay a red light ticket, do your homework. Investigate to see whether the local government can send your account to a collection agency. If the municipality has such a policy, you might find that paying the fine is a much better option than a significant credit hit.
