What could happen if a police officer wanted me to sign a traffic ticket and I refused?

A traffic ticket is a notice issued by a law enforcement official to a motorist, indicating that he/she has violated traffic laws. Traffic tickets are either citing a moving violation (such as exceeding the speed limit), or a non-moving violation, such as a parking violation, with the ticket, also being referred to as a parking citation or parking ticket. The traffic ticket contains an actual notice to you of a pending court date at which you must appear.

Keep reading to find out why do you have to sign for a speeding ticket or traffic ticket.

Do you have to sign a traffic ticket?

By signing the ticket, you are providing an acknowledgement of receipt of the “notice to appear.”

Since the officer is charging you with a violation of law, he could take you into custody. By signing the traffic ticket, you avoid being taken into custody at that time, and are “released on your own recognizance” pending the court date.

It is better to sign the traffic ticket and go about your business pending the court date. By signing the traffic ticket, you remain free and retain the right to show up at the hearing to contest the issuance of the citation or summons.

A person is free to refuse to sign the ticket; however, the police officer is free to place him/her under arrest and take him/her into custody for refusing to sign a ticket. So if you’re wondering “Do you have to sign traffic tickets?”, the answer is that a person does not technically have to sign a traffic citation, however, this means they will sit in jail.

Case Studies: Refusing to Sign Traffic Tickets

Case Study 1: John’s Refusal

John, a driver in Cityville, was pulled over by Officer Smith for exceeding the speed limit. When Officer Smith asked John to sign the traffic ticket, he refused, stating that he believed he was not guilty. In response, Officer Smith informed John that his refusal could result in his arrest. John persisted in his refusal, and Officer Smith ultimately decided to place him under arrest for noncompliance.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s Compliance

Sarah, a motorist in Townsville, was stopped by Officer Johnson for a traffic violation. When Officer Johnson asked Sarah to sign the ticket, she complied without hesitation, acknowledging the notice to appear in court. By signing the ticket, Sarah avoided immediate arrest and was allowed to continue on her way until her scheduled court date.

Case Study 3: Mark’s Contestation

Mark, a driver in Villagetown, received a traffic ticket from Officer Davis for a parking violation. Although Officer Davis requested Mark’s signature on the ticket, Mark decided to contest the issuance of the citation and refused to sign. Officer Davis, exercising his discretion, arrested Mark for his non-compliance.

The Bottom Line: When a police officer gives me a ticket, do I have to sign the speeding ticket?

If a police officer asks you to sign the ticket, you should do it. If you refuse, the officer can arrest you because you’re breaking the law. You can show up to your court date to explain why you are not guilty. When you get a traffic ticket and sign it, it’s for your own good. So if you’re wondering “Do you have to sign a speeding ticket?”, the answer is definitely yes.