Skip to main content

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) have to exercise their best judgment in nearly every aspect of their job, especially when interacting with the public. For instance, a traffic stop for a minor infraction affords police officers some leeway. They could write the offending motorist a ticket, or they could potentially let them off with a written warning.

Police officers can issue a written warning instead of a ticket for minor offenses

You’ve likely heard home-spun pedagogy from your closest friends and family members. “Just treat a police officer with respect and they’ll do the same.” Or something closer to “damned if you do, damned if you don’t.” Well, regardless of your optimistic or pessimistic spin on interacting with law enforcement, a police officer might issue you a pricey ticket or a written warning. It can really be their prerogative.

However, don’t think you’ll get away with running over your neighbor with a simple “It happens. Don’t let it happen again.” That said, a minor violation could become a traffic ticket with a monetary fine component or a written warning.

  • Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light
  • Speeding
  • Failing to yield where necessary
  • Misusing lanes like turning lanes
  • Driving without lights in the dark

According to J.D. Power, written warnings are rare, but they won’t appear on your driving record. Consequently, they won’t impact your insurance rates and likely won’t count against you the next time you get pulled over.

Instead, a written warning is meant to do just as it sounds, warn a motorist that breaking the law has consequences. For instance, I received a warning from a police officer years ago for speeding on one of Austin’s best twisty roads. The motorcycle-bound cop flagged me down, and we started talking. After a respectful exchange at the traffic stop, the officer sent me on my way with a sternly worded warning, citing the dangers of speeding.

Now, the officer who gave me the warning could have opted for a spendy speeding ticket. I’m grateful that the LEO instead sent me on my way with just a warning. However, a police officer may issue you a written ticket instead of a warning. That’s well within their scope. Still, if you receive a written warning instead of a ticket, you should count yourself lucky.

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).