Refusal to Sign a Citation: What Does Signing a Traffic Ticket Mean?

There are many myths surrounding traffic tickets and the refusal to sign a citation that are spread by word of mouth. Have you ever heard that signing a traffic ticket means you are admitting guilt? Here’s what’s actually true when it comes to traffic citations and what to do after you receive one.

The Truth About Refusal to Sign a Citation

Despite what you may have heard, signing a traffic citation is not an admission of guilt. Rather, when you sign a ticket, it simply means that you are aware you received the ticket. Generally, you then have two options:

1. You can pay the fine associated with the moving violation
2. You can appear in court to contest the citation

If a police officer asks you to sign the ticket, you should do it. The officer can arrest you if you refuse, charging you with breaking the law. Again, signing is not an admission of guilt, and you can always show up to your court date to make the case as to why you are not guilty. Nothing good will come from your refusal to sign a citation.

Should You Hire an Attorney to Contest a Traffic Violation?

It is always a good idea to hire a local attorney to represent you in court—especially if you plan to fight the ticket or are looking for certain arrangements, such as the option to attend traffic school instead of paying the fine.

Additionally, there may be circumstances in which you must appear in court (and cannot merely pay the fine). For example, you will likely have to appear in court if your violation is considered reckless driving (e.g. going 30 mph over the speed limit). You may also be required to appear if your citation involves any allegation of serious bodily injury. In cases like these, there are many advantages to hiring an attorney, who not only knows the geographical area, but also has the legal expertise to best navigate the court system on your behalf.

Consulting Gainesville Traffic Law Attorneys

Getting a traffic ticket is an unfortunate experience that most people will have to deal with at some point. It’s important to obey traffic laws both for your safety and for the safety of others. Furthermore, receiving a traffic ticket can hurt your driving record, so it’s important to know the lay of the land in case you are pulled over in the future.

You can always contact the attorneys at Avera & Smith for more information or for a free consultation. And if you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic incident, know that we have extensive experience taking personal injurycases to court—and a proven record of getting the best possible results for our clients.