Does a traffic ticket need to be signed?
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Does a traffic ticket need to be signed?
I was given a citation for being in the HOV lane I was trying to go around a seemingly stalled vehicle. Police officer said that cannot be in that lane for any reason. The ticket that was issued has a place for a signature by the accused there is also a box next to it declaring that, if checked, accused refuses to sign. The box is not checked, nor was I told to sign the ticket. Is it still valid?
Asked on July 25, 2019 under General Practice, Hawaii
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Yes, it is still valid. Courts have the power to amend or revise citations and tickets (and other legal papers) to correct harmless errors--errors that do not go to the core or essential elements of the paper (i.e. that you were in the HOV lane) and which could be considered the equivalent of a "typo." The failure to check the box does not alter anything about what you did or were accused of, and does not prejudice or damage your rights. Therefore, the court can simply amend or correct the ticket.
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