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    • Can you be arrested for refusing to sign a traffic ticket? What we know
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    Can you be arrested for refusing to sign a traffic ticket? What we know

    Online Niel Posted on

    A Oklahoma City police officer’s use of force while arresting 70-year-old man has been called into question, with the officer on paid leave while the police department investigates.

    During the incident, the man refused to sign a traffic ticket written by the OKC police officer, for which the officer said he could take the man to jail.

    After news of the incident went viral, many wondered what the law meant. Here’s what you need to know about Oklahoma City’s law on signing a subpoena from a police officer.

    Can the OKC police take you to jail for refusing to sign a ticket?

    Yes, according to the city of Oklahoma City, refusing to sign the summons a police officer writes you could get you arrested.

    Signing the summons is not an admission of guilt, but rather your assurance that you will either pay the fine or appear in court to argue its validity.

    Also, according to the city, yelling or aggressively touching an officer could result in your arrest.

    The city also says you should comply with a police officer’s requests even if you disagree, and not argue about the officer’s actions or the law.

    What to do during a traffic stop

    While different states have different rules for driver duties during a traffic stopexperts generally agree on a few steps drivers should take to ensure that traffic stops remain calm.

    The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma recommends that if you are stopped by the police, you take the following steps:

    • Stop the car in a safe place as soon as possible.
    • Turn off the car engine.
    • Turn on the internal light.
    • Open the window partially.
    • Put your hands on the wheel.

    The ACLU also encourages people to remain calm during traffic stops and not to run, resist or obstruct officers.

    More: Need to roll down the window during a traffic stop? ACLU, police get involved

    The Oklahoma City Police Department recommends many of the same actions, including rolling down your window to talk to the officer. If you are afraid during the shutdown, police department website also suggest that you can roll down the window a few inches, ask to speak to a supervisor, or call 911.

    Contributed by Dale Denwalt

    Online Niel
    View all posts

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