What can lead to a 'failure to appear' charge?

A 'failure to appear' charge occurs when an individual does not show up in court as required after being summoned. This is particularly relevant in the context of traffic citations, where a court appearance is often mandated to address the citation. When someone receives a traffic citation, they may be ordered to appear in court to respond to the charges or discuss the matter with a judge. Failing to attend this court date violates the rules set forth by the court, resulting in a 'failure to appear' charge.

Other options relate to different types of violations or offenses. For instance, not paying a traffic ticket may result in penalties, but it does not directly lead to a 'failure to appear' charge unless it involves a court summons. Driving without a license and causing an accident may lead to different legal consequences, but they do not in themselves result in a 'failure to appear' charge. Hence, the correct choice clearly identifies the direct relationship between being summoned to court and the consequences of not appearing as required.