Quote Quoting Keydo
Then it is possible that an officer can look up the registered owner of a vehicle and obtain the necessary information on an individual, write up a ticket on said individual, submit their original and throw away the carbon copy and file it without the owner's knowledge. Regardless of whether the individual was actually present or not.

I'm not saying this happens, but if a signature is not needed, than it is possible that an officer can just write up a ticket on anyone, whether they are really there or not.

If that's the case, I better make sure I treat my brother-in-law extra nice this upcoming Christmas.
ANYTHING is possible. I - or even you - can make a report to the police about your brother-in-law speeding or commiting any manner of crime. Ultimately it still has to go to court and a foundation has to be laid.

A signature is not needed for a filing in criminal court - only for a release on one's own recognizance in lieu of appearing before a magistrate. I don't need your signature to file a complaint with the DA for ANY offense - including traffic. Would you prefer a citation in the mail giving you a date and a time to appear? Or, an arrest warrant? We don't HAVE to go with the mailed, un-signed citation - or with a summons.

- Carl