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The Practice of Mailing Tickets to Drivers in Pennsylvania
The Practice of Mailing Tickets to Drivers in Pennsylvania
In the state of Pennsylvania, it is relatively common for law enforcement agencies to issue citations by mail for certain violations, especially for automated traffic violations like red light camera tickets or speed camera tickets. However, for traditional traffic stops, officers typically issue tickets in person.
Common Practices of Issuing Mail Citations
The process for mailing tickets often involves:
Automated Enforcement: Many municipalities use automated systems to capture violations which then generate tickets sent by mail to the registered owner of the vehicle. Court Summons: In some cases, officers may opt to send a ticket by mail if they are unable to issue it in person due to circumstances like safety concerns or if the vehicle is unoccupied at the time of the offense.Reasons for Mailing Tickets
While in-person ticketing remains the primary method for most traffic violations, mail citations are becoming more prevalent, especially with the advent of technology in law enforcement. Here are some reasons why officers might opt to mail tickets:
High Volume of Citations: When there are many citations to write, it can be more efficient to write them out and have the courts send them out by mail. Shorter Interaction: Officers often prefer to cut drivers loose if possible, especially if they have several citations to write. This saves time and ensures a quicker release of the driver. Less Paperwork: Issuing tickets by mail requires less paperwork and can be a more efficient process for the officers on duty.Personal Experiences
Several officers have shared their personal experiences with mailing tickets. They often do it when there are a lot of citations to write, as it takes around 3-4 minutes per citation. If an officer has 5-8 or 10 citations to write, they might prefer to mail them to avoid spending excessive time at the scene. Here are some examples:
An officer mentioned, "I've done it sometimes, frequently. It's often only done when there are a lot of citations to write. It takes 3 or 4 minutes apiece and if I have 5 or 8 or 10 to write, we will be there far too long. It's easier to cut you loose if possible, then quote them all and have the courts send them out by mail. I'll verify your address is correct on your license first."
Another officer said, "I've had one or two I just wrote them out. It was more common doing DOT enforcement than regular traffic, but I've had some doozies like the fellow with the lawnmower, got him for 16 violations with the one stop. That was definitely by mail."
Conclusion
While in-person ticketing remains the primary method for most traffic violations, mail citations are becoming more prevalent especially with the increasing use of automated enforcement systems. If you have specific concerns or questions about the process, it is advisable to check with local law enforcement or legal resources in Pennsylvania.