§ 6-441. Traffic tickets.

(a)

All traffic tickets shall be printed in the original and at least two (2) copies and such other copies as may be prescribed by the state auditor. All traffic tickets shall be uniform as prescribed by the state auditor and the attorney general; provided, however, that the state auditor and the attorney general may alter the form and content of traffic tickets to meet the varying requirements of the different law enforcement agencies. The state auditor and the attorney general may also prescribe a separate traffic ticket to be used only for violations of the "Mississippi Implied Consent Law."

(b)

Every traffic ticket issued by any police officer for any violation of traffic or motor vehicle laws shall be issued on the uniform traffic ticket consisting of an original and at least two (2) copies and such other copies as may be prescribed by the state auditor. Such traffic ticket shall show, among other necessary information, the name of the issuing officer, the name of the court in which the cause is to be heard, and the date and time such person is to appear to answer the charge. The uniform traffic ticket shall make provision thereon for information which will constitute a complaint charging the offense for which the ticket was issued, and when duly sworn to and filed with a court of competent jurisdiction prosecution may proceed thereunder.

(c)

All traffic tickets shall be bound in book form, shall be consecutively numbered and each traffic ticket shall be accounted for to the officer issuing such book. Such traffic ticket books shall be issued to each police officer by the clerk of the municipal court.

(d)

The clerk of the municipal court shall keep a record of all traffic ticket books issued and to whom issued, accounting for all books printed and issued.

(e)

The original traffic ticket shall be delivered by the officer issuing the traffic ticket to the clerk of the court to which it is returnable to be retained in that court's records and the number noted on the docket. The officer issuing the traffic ticket shall also give the accused a copy of the traffic ticket. The clerk of the court shall file a copy with the state auditor within forty-five (45) days after judgment is rendered showing the amount of the fine and cost or, in cases in which no judgment has been rendered, within one hundred twenty (120) days after issuance of the ticket. Other copies that are prescribed by the state auditor shall be filed or retained as may be designated by the state auditor. All copies shall be retained for at least two (2) years.

(f)

Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor.

(Code 1963, §§ 25-318, 25-320, 25-323)

State law reference

Uniform Traffic Ticket Law, Miss. Code Ann. 1972, § 63-9-21.