Can Police Issue Speeding Tickets to Out-of-State Vehicles for Profit?

In recent years, the issue of whether police can and do issue speeding tickets to out-of-state vehicles has gained significant attention. This practice raises questions about the motives behind such actions and the implications for drivers who find themselves in this situation.

Personal Experience with Out-of-State License Plates

A few years ago, I encountered a challenging scenario involving an out-of-state vehicle and its owner. A friend of mine, who had moved from Atlanta to Salt Lake, defaulted on payments for a vehicle I owned. When I flew to Salt Lake to repossess the vehicle, I discovered that the license and insurance had expired. Despite managing to address the insurance, I was unable to secure a temporary license until Monday, leaving me with a dilemma. My son and I drove from Salt Lake to Atlanta with an expired license, during which we encountered several police officers but were not pulled over. This experience highlights the potential police tactics in jurisdictions with strict enforcement policies.

Experiences with Civil Forfeiture and Extortion

In some small towns, such as Tenaha, Texas, police have been known to target out-of-state license plates with a specific and sometimes exploitative approach. For example, they may pull over vehicles with expired out-of-state plates, investigate them for any legal breaches, and seize cash or property on the spot. This practice often relies on civil forfeiture laws, an issue that raises serious ethical and legal questions. Police may even go as far as threatening to place the driver's children in foster care if they attempt to contest the charges. This is a prominent example of how some law enforcement agencies may manipulate laws to their advantage rather than following the intentions of the law.

Motives Behind Issuing Tickets

According to law enforcement, their primary goal is to maintain law and order. However, the process of issuing speeding tickets can involve more than just enforcing traffic laws. In some cases, the county or local government makes money not from the points, but from the penalties and fines associated with the tickets. For instance, an offense like speeding, which might carry a fine of $250 and three points, might be reduced to jaywalking, which involves a $400 fine but no points. This is an example of a win-win situation for the county, as it collects money without worrying about accumulating points that could result in license suspension.

Common Practices and Driver's Perspective

Many drivers find it more convenient to simply pay the ticket rather than going through a legal process, especially if they are not in a hurry to return to court or hire a lawyer. For many offenses, one can plead guilty by mail and still face the same penalties as if they had appeared in court. This practice can be seen as a method used by law enforcement to streamline the process and manage traffic violations more efficiently. However, it also raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the system.

Conclusion

While police can and do issue speeding tickets to out-of-state vehicles, the underlying motives and practices involved can sometimes be questionable. Whether the goal is to generate revenue, streamline the legal process, or move the needle on law and order, it's important for drivers to understand the implications of such actions. For those caught in these situations, the challenge lies in navigating the legal system while ensuring their rights are protected.