What is a common reason for a person arrested for a traffic violation to be booked rather than receiving a citation?

Booking a person arrested for a traffic violation rather than simply issuing a citation often occurs due to the refusal to sign the criminal citation. When an individual is issued a citation, they are typically required to sign it as an acknowledgment of receipt and a promise to appear in court. Refusing to sign this document can signify noncompliance or an unwillingness to follow the legal process, prompting law enforcement to proceed with booking the individual. This step helps ensure that the individual can be held accountable and that there is a formal record of the charges against them, thus maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

In contrast, minor speeding offenses usually result in a simple citation without the need for booking, a clean driving record suggests the individual has no major violations and may be treated leniently, and waiting for a court date typically relates to the processed handling of a case rather than the immediate need for arrest and booking.