Earlier this year, the Chesterfield County Police Department began issuing written warnings for minor traffic infractions. Officers have always been able to issue verbal warnings for minor traffic violations that do not pose an immediate or significant hazard or danger to the public, and written warnings are not replacing verbal warnings. Now, officers have the option to end a traffic stop with a verbal warning, a written warning or a traffic summons.
Traffic safety is a significant issue in Chesterfield County, according to officials; in 2015, police investigated 22 traffic-related deaths. Officers believe written warnings will help educate drivers and help identify traffic safety issues. Once those issues are identified, the police department hopes to better allocate resources and design educational programs or campaigns to address them.
For drivers, written warnings will serve as a safety reminder and/or a reminder to have equipment fixed on their vehicles. A written warning will not impact your driving record or insuranceand will not require you to appear in court.
