traffic tickets and signing - required?

What? We have no ID requirements in the US of A! We are a free country!

The Drivers License Compact is not the only reciprocity agreement among states for the sharing of drivers license and violation information. It’s the largest multi-state agreement, but prior to the DLC, and concurrently with it, there are many individual agreements between particular states, with varying provisions. And there’s the Non-Resident Violator Compact, also with different provisions. Then there’s the National Driver Registry, which gets data from all the states but doesn’t involve any agreements about enforcement (states may use NDR at their discretion in deciding whether to issue a new license, for example).

Virginia and California, now, are both in both the DLC and NRVC; Wisconsin is in neither, but could have individual agreements. (If they don’t, they must either require bail on every traffic ticket, or see a lot of fines on out-of-state drivers go unpaid.)

In any case, why would an officer lie about such a thing? I would think arresting someone for a traffic violation is a hassle. Easier for the officer, too, if the driver signs.

Then you don’t use anything as a government issued ID, unless you have another one.

Am I missing something here?

Then stay out of Arizona.

atomicbadgerrace said:

There are other times when people need ID besides being pulled over for a traffic stop. Like many businesses want to see ID to use a credit card. Now legally you should be able to argue that point, but it is still frequent enough a situation. “I’m sorry, I can’t show you my driver’s license, but I have this handy receipt. Will that work?”

What about if you have to fly out on business? What official photo ID do you use at the airport?

Hell, what if you want to go to a bar and get a drink? I’ve been to places that ID everyone going through the door. I mean, I know I look young for my age, but I doubt I could pass for 20.

Plus, states typically won’t issue more than one DMV ID to any one person. So if you have a driver’s license, you can’t also have a state ID card.

If an offender’s license has been impounded/suspended, then it would seem he/she is eligible for a state ID card.

If offender doesn’t have a passport or a state-issued ID card, then maybe it’s time to get one.

Big difference between impound and suspension. I don’t know how it works in your state, but in California it can take up to 60 days to receive an ID card after valid application and standing in line at the DMV.

A bit of the old locking the barn door after the horses have already escaped, no?

In Ohio, as in many other states, you’ll be asked to sign a traffic ticket and advised by the cop that it’s not an admission of guilt but simply an acknowledgement of receipt of the ticket. If you refuse to sign, the officer will write “Refused to sign” or similar words on it, but won’t arrest you in most cases. You may be fingerprinted (just a thumb) on the spot in case you later argue that it wasn’t you behind the wheel.

Thanks, that’s the kind of info I was after. In that case, taking your print is effectively getting your signature - proof it was you that was cited so you cannot argue later that it was your brother-in-law borrowing your car. And your license. (Okay, that’s more effective if you also forget your license and thus get cited for that as well. :wink: )