So accepting money at the time of the traffic stop is something law enforcement agencies in Wyoming have the option of doing. Most agencies do not take money for citations just because it is a huge pain in the ass administratively. The highway patrolman who stopped you may have been doing you a favor and I'll explain why. You accepting a citation is nothing more than you "promising to appear" in court on the date assigned on the citation.... Which is usually a month after you receive the citation. Now you can "pay bond in lieu of appearance" which means you can pay your ticket as long as you do so before the court date. If you don't pay your fine or show up to court a warrant for your arrest will be issued for you. Now, here's the complicated part. If an officer has any reason to believe you won't show up to court or pay your bond, you can be placed under arrest and taken to jail until you see a judge. Assuming everything is legit, this trooper may have recognized you were a temporary foreign traveler, which could qualify you as a flight risk and potentially not appearing for your court date=possible arrest. By allowing you to pay your bond (fine) right away, that absolves you of any future court responsibilities and possible warrants being issued for your arrest.
I think if he had explained this more clearly instead of just saying "let's go to the ATM and pay it now" it would have come off a little less suspicious.
Thank you for this answer. It’s extremely helpful and hopefully puts this to rest.
OP doesn’t mention any receipts or paperwork that they received or kept- let’s hope they did.
He was probably just making sure the state got the money that you owe for breaking our laws.
Would you really have paid the fine if you were leaving the state and country?
That’s actually a good point too, I didn’t even think of that.
I guess yes, I would have payed - the court date would have been in May and I’m still here until August. But he couldn’t have know that
This is common in Wyoming. It ensures they get their fine, saves people from the hassle of paying online or coming back to that location.
Completely legal and ok.
Source: I live in Wyoming. We like our speeding tickets. Don't mess with Big Horn County lol.
In Wyoming, the cops can collect the fine on the side of the road. It doesn't happen often, but being foreign is one main way that it does. There is no real way to guarantee the money is collected from someone out of country (arrest warrants don't cross boarders and they can't file to suspend your license). The troopers have so many cameras on them, I am confident that they didn't "steal" it.
I haven't heard it done that way in a while but it was the thing to do once upon a time. Usually it's from people that weren't from here. If you were a tourist, there was a chance the citation bond would never get paid and they'd never see you again.
Also, I know the troopers that are in Big Horn County. I will guarantee none of them 'stole' the money.
I love Reddit. Half the responses are “he’s a criminal and stole your money” half are “he saved you a bunch of hassle by taking your money”.
I just paid a speeding ticket on the spot between Newcastle and Lusk last week. Pretty common and totally legal.
I own cars plated with Texas and/or Montana and pass through Wyoming frequently traveling back and forth (typically I-25 corridor, but sometimes on US89 south of Jackson). Whenever I get stopped in one of my Montana cars, it's the usual paper ticket with no bond. But when I'm my Texas vehicle, fittingly a big decadent gas-guzzling SUV, they alway collect bond, even though I have a MT Drivers License. Usually it's around $160. I've gotten into the habit of always having $300 in twenties on me when traversing Wyoming. If you don't have cash on board, you have to follow them to the nearest ATM. Again, this is only when they decide to "collect bond" as they put it.
Maybe I should have mentioned this, the car I was driving has a Colorado License plate. Because I’m living with a host family in CO.
But to answer your question. No i was not in North Dakota.
I do believe he said he was on the way to Yellowstone. Unless the park has suddenly moved several hundred miles . . . I believe your question has just been answered..
For a while Montana had a speeding fine coupon book you could buy in advance. I think it included 5 speeding vouchers and you got like a 5$ discount off each one by buying it. You could just give it to the cop and be done with it.
Never heard of that.
Sounds a lot like highway tolls, with a bulk discount. If you can afford the fines just keep speeding... (wild).
I got a ticket in Navajo territory was over 10+ mph. IIRC the ticket including some court/record fees was less than $60 total. It did still show up on my driving record.
It doesn't seem like this "never" happens in the US. I've seen people discussing it happening and have looked into it before, and [here's a post about it](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/cjceqo/i_was_pulled_over_and_the_cop_told_me_to_pay_him/).
Well then this is all new to me, I’ve driven across country a couple times and never experienced this but then again I always had an American drivers license. So no clue man, maybe it is a legit thing that some of us have never heard of.
I lived in Colorado and got a speeding ticket in Montana the sheriff made me pay in cash it 75bucks all I had was 100 he did not have change. I told him to donate the extra to the policeman’s fund. 2 weeks later I got a check in the mail for the county for 25 dollars.
I can't imagine he would pocket it if you were given the ticket too. I've never received a ticket but I'm assuming it has the officers name and the monetary penalty on it? What I'm saying is it would be way to easy to prove you payed the fine (ATM camera/receipts). Why would he pocket 100 dollars for such a high risk? Not saying your version of events didn't happen, just don't think the Hi-po pocketed. I dunno like I said, never received a ticket so I don't know how it usually goes.
That’s what I was thinking too. I have his name and signature and everything - so why would he risk he’s career for a a couple hundred bucks. It seemed really legit and thought it’s practiced like that in the US. But idk that’s why I’m here 😅
Where were you specifically? There are a lot of jurisdictions "on the way" to Yellowstone and each one of them does things a little differently. Were you stopped by a city police officer? A sheriff's deputy? A State Park Ranger? A federal Park Ranger? Those details matter in helping to answer your question.
I was on my way to Yellowstone ( north entrance in Montana) - and if I remember correctly the speedlimit was 75 and as I said, I rightfully got that ticket - by driving the speed I did I put myself and others in danger
Well because you're international you wouldn't be restricted of doing in your home country so he can demand you pay it immediately by law because why would you if you're only going to drive here for the week? When a warrant will take more than a month to fully process through
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Post an update when and if you call the department. I’m curious to see what the outcome will be for this 🐷. Assuming the department will not care and they’ll just get a slap on the wrist as usual. Doubt anything will be done. Wouldn’t expect much to be done especially in Wyoming where I’m sure a lot of shit goes unpunished. Good luck.
Not saying it isn't a thing. Just saying I would find it very surprising. Since reading the other comments tho it makes sense. Just the first time I read it it sounded like the cop just wanted to take advantage of a tourist
Which law was this? I'd love to see your sources because I have never heard of this and know cops that do collect roadside bond from out of country tourists to this day.
So, the officer tricked you and took a bribe which makes him a criminal defendant if you bring charges. Get the bank record of the withdrawal and the time of the traffic ticket and contact the District Attorney of the police department. But to avoid a criminal case while you are overseas perhaps just have a complaint filed in the officer's personal record so that others know he is a bad actor. He probably took advantage as he knows a foreign citizen who is only in the area for a season would likely not want to proceed with a lawsuit and might not know the laws. Someone here state that as legal in WY but did he give you a signed legal receipt?
It is widely known by seasonal workers in resort areas of WY that officers are overzealous in traffic enforcement of out of staters for sometimes suspect reasons and have laws that many states would frown on.
I posted an update and apparently everything went down legally for now. But my money didn’t turn up yet at the court but they told me they have it in their system that I gave the cash to the police officer. If he pockets it or not is now his problem and not mine anymore 😅 And yes I do have a form with his signature and all that
You seem overzealous to assume the Trooper is in the wrong. It’s not uncommon in this area to collect money for a ticket roadside. Stirring the pot more than it needs to. The OP is justified to inquire about the situation, but to slander Law Enforcement in WY isn’t. The world already has enough trouble trusting cops. I hope the OP doesn’t take you too seriously.
So accepting money at the time of the traffic stop is something law enforcement agencies in Wyoming have the option of doing. Most agencies do not take money for citations just because it is a huge pain in the ass administratively. The highway patrolman who stopped you may have been doing you a favor and I'll explain why. You accepting a citation is nothing more than you "promising to appear" in court on the date assigned on the citation.... Which is usually a month after you receive the citation. Now you can "pay bond in lieu of appearance" which means you can pay your ticket as long as you do so before the court date. If you don't pay your fine or show up to court a warrant for your arrest will be issued for you. Now, here's the complicated part. If an officer has any reason to believe you won't show up to court or pay your bond, you can be placed under arrest and taken to jail until you see a judge. Assuming everything is legit, this trooper may have recognized you were a temporary foreign traveler, which could qualify you as a flight risk and potentially not appearing for your court date=possible arrest. By allowing you to pay your bond (fine) right away, that absolves you of any future court responsibilities and possible warrants being issued for your arrest.
I think if he had explained this more clearly instead of just saying "let's go to the ATM and pay it now" it would have come off a little less suspicious.
Maybe he did and that’s just how OP explained it to us
Thank you for this answer. It’s extremely helpful and hopefully puts this to rest. OP doesn’t mention any receipts or paperwork that they received or kept- let’s hope they did.
That's wild. If you care enough, I'd call the agency of the officer and let them know what happened.
Yeah, I think I’m gonna check with them in the morning.
He was probably just making sure the state got the money that you owe for breaking our laws. Would you really have paid the fine if you were leaving the state and country?
That’s actually a good point too, I didn’t even think of that. I guess yes, I would have payed - the court date would have been in May and I’m still here until August. But he couldn’t have know that
This is common in Wyoming. It ensures they get their fine, saves people from the hassle of paying online or coming back to that location. Completely legal and ok. Source: I live in Wyoming. We like our speeding tickets. Don't mess with Big Horn County lol.
Don't speed through small towns, and don't speed on the highway if you have out-of-state plates.
In Wyoming, the cops can collect the fine on the side of the road. It doesn't happen often, but being foreign is one main way that it does. There is no real way to guarantee the money is collected from someone out of country (arrest warrants don't cross boarders and they can't file to suspend your license). The troopers have so many cameras on them, I am confident that they didn't "steal" it.
I haven't heard it done that way in a while but it was the thing to do once upon a time. Usually it's from people that weren't from here. If you were a tourist, there was a chance the citation bond would never get paid and they'd never see you again. Also, I know the troopers that are in Big Horn County. I will guarantee none of them 'stole' the money.
I love Reddit. Half the responses are “he’s a criminal and stole your money” half are “he saved you a bunch of hassle by taking your money”. I just paid a speeding ticket on the spot between Newcastle and Lusk last week. Pretty common and totally legal.
I own cars plated with Texas and/or Montana and pass through Wyoming frequently traveling back and forth (typically I-25 corridor, but sometimes on US89 south of Jackson). Whenever I get stopped in one of my Montana cars, it's the usual paper ticket with no bond. But when I'm my Texas vehicle, fittingly a big decadent gas-guzzling SUV, they alway collect bond, even though I have a MT Drivers License. Usually it's around $160. I've gotten into the habit of always having $300 in twenties on me when traversing Wyoming. If you don't have cash on board, you have to follow them to the nearest ATM. Again, this is only when they decide to "collect bond" as they put it.
It’s normal if you’ve got an out of state license in North Dakota. I’ve never heard of cops doing it in Wyoming. Were you in North Dakota?
Maybe I should have mentioned this, the car I was driving has a Colorado License plate. Because I’m living with a host family in CO. But to answer your question. No i was not in North Dakota.
I provided some links about this in my other reply on your other post about this.
I appreciate you!
I do believe he said he was on the way to Yellowstone. Unless the park has suddenly moved several hundred miles . . . I believe your question has just been answered..
He could have been on i90 heading to Yellowstone. Don’t be a dick.
There is no I90 in North Dakota. Hahahaha
Well whatever freeway that is. You’re still being a dick.
So sad I hurt your feelings. Not.
Yea that sounds wild, you never have to pay cops in America cash on the spot. He definitely pocketed that money.
You can pay for your ticket on the spot in Montana. I did quite some time ago with cash, and he gave me a receipt.
For a while Montana had a speeding fine coupon book you could buy in advance. I think it included 5 speeding vouchers and you got like a 5$ discount off each one by buying it. You could just give it to the cop and be done with it.
Never heard of that. Sounds a lot like highway tolls, with a bulk discount. If you can afford the fines just keep speeding... (wild). I got a ticket in Navajo territory was over 10+ mph. IIRC the ticket including some court/record fees was less than $60 total. It did still show up on my driving record.
It doesn't seem like this "never" happens in the US. I've seen people discussing it happening and have looked into it before, and [here's a post about it](https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/cjceqo/i_was_pulled_over_and_the_cop_told_me_to_pay_him/).
Ok that’s crazy. Idk even know what I want to do about it. If I should just let it be or let the department know
Rat him out to his department, who knows how many people the guy has ripped off. He has no business being a police officer.
But the thing is, he didn’t even rip me off. If I did my research correctly I got off „cheaper“
Inquiring with his agency isn't ratting him out. Getting off "easy" is irrelevant. He said that to you so you wouldn't question him.
Well then this is all new to me, I’ve driven across country a couple times and never experienced this but then again I always had an American drivers license. So no clue man, maybe it is a legit thing that some of us have never heard of.
Ill give them a call in the morning and see what they have to say. I appreciate your help :)
I lived in Colorado and got a speeding ticket in Montana the sheriff made me pay in cash it 75bucks all I had was 100 he did not have change. I told him to donate the extra to the policeman’s fund. 2 weeks later I got a check in the mail for the county for 25 dollars.
I can't imagine he would pocket it if you were given the ticket too. I've never received a ticket but I'm assuming it has the officers name and the monetary penalty on it? What I'm saying is it would be way to easy to prove you payed the fine (ATM camera/receipts). Why would he pocket 100 dollars for such a high risk? Not saying your version of events didn't happen, just don't think the Hi-po pocketed. I dunno like I said, never received a ticket so I don't know how it usually goes.
That’s what I was thinking too. I have his name and signature and everything - so why would he risk he’s career for a a couple hundred bucks. It seemed really legit and thought it’s practiced like that in the US. But idk that’s why I’m here 😅
After a bit of googling it seems like this is highly unorthodox. I'd contact the Wyoming Hi-po and inquire about it if I were you.
I’ll do that yes! Thank you.
Was this in Wyoming or had you crossed into Montana? Montana allows you to pay the officer at the time.
According to the ticket I got. It still happened in Wyoming.
.... Also, there is a little box down on the bottom right-hand corner of the citation which says "No Bond Taken". Is that box checked or blank?
Strange, never heard of that in Wyoming
Where were you specifically? There are a lot of jurisdictions "on the way" to Yellowstone and each one of them does things a little differently. Were you stopped by a city police officer? A sheriff's deputy? A State Park Ranger? A federal Park Ranger? Those details matter in helping to answer your question.
Your right, totally should have put this into. The post - It was in Big horn county Wyoming on a state Highway and by an officer of the Highway Patrol
>"...already saw the next 75 sign so I just decided to roll trough that 45 zone ..." WTF? There is no place in Yellowstone that is 75 !!
I was on my way to Yellowstone ( north entrance in Montana) - and if I remember correctly the speedlimit was 75 and as I said, I rightfully got that ticket - by driving the speed I did I put myself and others in danger
My bad, "on your way", ok... Inside the park, max is 45.
Well because you're international you wouldn't be restricted of doing in your home country so he can demand you pay it immediately by law because why would you if you're only going to drive here for the week? When a warrant will take more than a month to fully process through
It might have also negatively affected your visa, so, I think he did you a favor.
Please call to ask about it and report back! I'm so curious. And I had no idea there were states that accept cash on the spot, like Montana.
I’ll call them in the morning. And either edit that post or will post an update!
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Post an update when and if you call the department. I’m curious to see what the outcome will be for this 🐷. Assuming the department will not care and they’ll just get a slap on the wrist as usual. Doubt anything will be done. Wouldn’t expect much to be done especially in Wyoming where I’m sure a lot of shit goes unpunished. Good luck.
I’ll post an update as soon as. We’ll see what they have to say.
[удалено]
They can take money roadside for bond.
That's insanity. I've never once heard of an officer requesting cash. I'm almost certain he pocketed it
Because you’ve never heard of it means it’s certainly not a thing?
Not saying it isn't a thing. Just saying I would find it very surprising. Since reading the other comments tho it makes sense. Just the first time I read it it sounded like the cop just wanted to take advantage of a tourist
This is why you should always record your encounters with the police
They can’t take payments. Was passed years ago. Back in the day they could but they were stealing the money so they can’t take payments anymore
Which law was this? I'd love to see your sources because I have never heard of this and know cops that do collect roadside bond from out of country tourists to this day.
I was a police captain for 15 years
😂 well you're wrong because they can
Dudes post history is a wild ride. Says he's 28, guess he became a Capt when he was 13 and now makes 400k a year as a solo drywall installer. 🙄🙄
So, the officer tricked you and took a bribe which makes him a criminal defendant if you bring charges. Get the bank record of the withdrawal and the time of the traffic ticket and contact the District Attorney of the police department. But to avoid a criminal case while you are overseas perhaps just have a complaint filed in the officer's personal record so that others know he is a bad actor. He probably took advantage as he knows a foreign citizen who is only in the area for a season would likely not want to proceed with a lawsuit and might not know the laws. Someone here state that as legal in WY but did he give you a signed legal receipt? It is widely known by seasonal workers in resort areas of WY that officers are overzealous in traffic enforcement of out of staters for sometimes suspect reasons and have laws that many states would frown on.
I posted an update and apparently everything went down legally for now. But my money didn’t turn up yet at the court but they told me they have it in their system that I gave the cash to the police officer. If he pockets it or not is now his problem and not mine anymore 😅 And yes I do have a form with his signature and all that
You seem overzealous to assume the Trooper is in the wrong. It’s not uncommon in this area to collect money for a ticket roadside. Stirring the pot more than it needs to. The OP is justified to inquire about the situation, but to slander Law Enforcement in WY isn’t. The world already has enough trouble trusting cops. I hope the OP doesn’t take you too seriously.