Georgia § 40-13-2 - 1. Signature on citations required; effect of failure to sign; exemption for out-of-state drivers; electronic capture of signature.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-13-2 — 1. Signature on citations required; effect of failure to sign; exemption for out-of-state drivers; electronic capture of signature., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-13-2. 1. Signature on citations required; effect of failure to sign; exemption for out-of-state drivers; electronic capture of signature.
A person who is issued a citation as provided in this chapter or Code Section 17-6-11, relating to display of driver's license in lieu of bail, shall sign the citation to acknowledge receipt of the citation and of his or her obligation to appear for trial. The officer shall advise the person that signing the citation is not an admission of guilt and that failure to sign will result in the person having to post a cash bond. If the person refuses to sign the citation, it shall constitute reasonable cause to believe that the person will not appear at trial and the officer may bring the person before a judicial officer or traffic violations bureau to post a bond as is otherwise provided by law. The provisions of subsection (a) of Code Section 17-6-11 shall not apply to a person in possession of a driver's license issued by a state or foreign country or political subdivision of a foreign country that has not entered into a reciprocal agreement regarding the operation of motor vehicles with this state as provided in Chapter 5 of Title 40, which provides for the suspension of a driver's license by the other state or foreign country or political subdivision of a foreign country of a person who fails to appear for trial of a traffic offense committed in this state. The signature of any person to whom a citation is issued may be captured electronically. (Code 1981, § 40-13-2.1 , enacted by Ga. L. 2000, p. 1313, § 5; Ga. L. 2010, p. 932, § 25/HB 396; Ga. L. 2020, p. 199, § 2-5/HB 463.) The 2020 amendment, effective June 30, 2020, inserted "or political subdivision of a foreign country" twice in subsection (b).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 40-13-2
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-13-2 cover?
Section 40-13-2 ("1. Signature on citations required; effect of failure to sign; exemption for out-of-state drivers; electronic capture of signature.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 40-13-2?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-13-2" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 40-13-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.