Legal Documents of Baxter

When a police officer halts a traffic violator other than for the purpose of giving a warning, he shall take the name, address, and operator's license number of said person, the license number of the motor vehicle involved, and such other pertinent information as may be necessary, and shall issue to him a written traffic citation containing a notice to answer to the charge against him in the city court at a specified time. The officer, upon receiving the written promise of the alleged violator to answer as specified in the citation, shall release such person from custody. It shall be unlawful for any alleged violator to give false or misleading information as to his name or address.

[Optional] Authorization to issue electronic citations in lieu of written citations or arrest in certain situations. Tennessee Code Annotated, § 40-7-118 defines "citations" to include electronic citation, allowing an electronic signature to be used to sign a citation issued electronically, and providing that the electronic signature has the same force and effect as a written signature. The officer is required to provide the individual cited with a paper copy of the electronic citation. Replicas of the citation data is to be sent by electronic transmission to be sent within three (3) days of issuance to the court having jurisdiction the alleged offense. An electronic signature may be used to sign a citation issued electronically and that electronic signature has the same force and effect as a written signature.