E-Ticketing for Traffic Violations is Catching on in Illinois

 Posted on April 18, 2016 in Traffic Offenses

Traditionally when a driver is stopped in Illinois for a traffic offense, the police officer approaches the driver’s vehicle, asks for the driver’s license and registration, and then asks a handful of other questions. If the officer is going to issue a ticket, the officer must complete the citation form by hand. Filling out the ticket form by hand can present a lot of problems, such as transcribing down information about the driver, vehicle, or offense incorrectly on the form, or the officer’s handwriting could be illegible.

Such problems with handwritten tickets are typically a boon to Illinois drivers. While minor mistakes on a traffic citation generally will not cause your ticket to be thrown out in court (such as an incorrectly cited make of vehicle or vehicle color), a material error (for example, a ticket issued to the wrong name), or a ticket that is completely illegible could get your charges dismissed.

However, police are starting to adopt new technology that will help make the information that is inputted on traffic citations more clear, easier to read, and easier to transmit electronically. In the southwest of Illinois, counties are beginning to adopt new technology for issuing traffic tickets. The new process is called e-ticketing, and has been adopted in both Madison County and Bond County, with much satisfaction for law enforcement officers, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

How Does the Electronic System Work?

The process allows for police officers to scan a driver’s license and store a copy of the license digitally along with the completed ticket in the officer’s car computer. The ticket is a blank digital form into which the officer can type the necessary information. Once the form is completed, the officer can print the form on a small printer located in his or her squad car, and can deliver the printed ticket to the offending driver.

The system allows for police officers to stay in the safety of their vehicles while writing up the ticket, and is considerably quicker than filling out a traditional hand-written ticket. This translates into shorter traffic stops.

Will This System be Adopted in the Northeast of the State?

There is no word yet on whether this technology will be brought to the Chicago and Rolling Meadows area any time soon. But like with all new technology, something that works well and is well liked in one population will soon be adopted by nearby neighbors.

Let Us Assist You Today

Getting a traffic ticket is unfortunate; however, it should be treated seriously. If you have received a speeding or traffic ticket, you should contact a Rolling Meadows traffic offenses lawyer immediately. Our attorneys can help you with your case.

Source:

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/madison-county-deputies-using-quicker-electronic-traffic-tickets/article_ee9ba64d-dc28-54e6-90b7-e77a972f6ec5.html