Key words, "if you didn't pay a fine" ...

Usually with US tickets, all they want is to get paid. Ticket paid = not reported.

If you were bad enough to get thrown in jail or charged criminally or your license taken away, all bets are off. Keep in mind that in some states you can get a "reckless driving" or thrown in jail for a lot less than it takes here. The cops may use their discretion, or maybe not.