POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

History of America's First Traffic Ticket

Riding his Indian twin, Willis Seaman entered history when, in 1908, he became the first motorcycle cop to write a speeding citation.

August 31, 2009
History of America's First Traffic Ticket

Photo via bestpoems.ucoz.com.


Ever wonder which officer wrote the first speeding ticket? Well, the folks at PoliceMotorUnits.com have the answer . The enthusiast blog attributes the story to a Daily News article published in 1959.

Ad Loading...

The cop wiped streaks of dust from his face, dismounted and stood for a moment beside the auto, scribbling on a pad. He tore off the sheet and handed it to the motorist. The cop was Willie Seaman and the paper was the first traffic summons ever issued in the U.S. The year was 1908.

The fellow with the dubious honor of earning America's first speeding ticket from a motorcycle cop was Charles R. Jones, a resident of Cold Spring Harbor, New York. He was traveling at the breakneck speed of 39 mph!

Seaman was riding an Indian twin, from either 1907 or 1908. The site also includes a gallery of police Indian motorcycles from the 1929 and 1951. And here's a bit more about the Indian twin, which was considered the most advanced motorcyle of its time:

Hitting the road in 1901, Indian was not only the first American motorcycle, it was the world's best-selling bike and, having introduced the first V-twin motorcycle to the world in 1907, the most technologically advanced. Harley-Davidson 1910 models, by contrast, were all singles, producing five horsepower or less.

The type of motorcycle Jones was riding when ticketed isn't known, but he was shown riding a Harley-Davidson in 1914.

In 2002, author Buck Lovell released " American Police Motorcycles ," which offers a historical account of police motorcycle units.

Ad Loading...
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Blogposts

Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamJuly 19, 2024

Preventing Heat Injury in Police K-9s

In the relentless heat of summer and even early fall in some parts of the country, officers face the important task of protecting their K-9 partners while working in sweltering temperatures. Recognizing changes in a dog’s behavior is the key.

Read More →
Inside the Badge by StaffDecember 19, 2023

Why Your Agency Needs to Attend the ILEETA Conference

ILEETA is a complete resource for trainers to address trainers' needs. Its mission is to enhance the skills and safety of criminal justice practitioners while fostering stronger and safer communities.

Read More →
Inside the Badge by David GriffithNovember 28, 2023

IACP 2023: New Training Products

Technologies for improving law enforcement training and training management were some of the highlights at this year's show.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamOctober 27, 2023

Initial Results Released from MSP 2024 Police Vehicle Testing

The 2024 pursuit-rated vehicles--all pickup trucks or SUVs, including two battery electric models the Chevrolet Blazer EV AWD and Ford Mustang Mach-E--were put through their paces.

Read More →
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamJune 26, 2023

Officer Safety Considerations Related to Alternative-Fuel Vehicles

As more alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles hit the road, police and other first responders need to understand that they are no more dangerous than conventional vehicles. However, there are certain safety considerations every cop should know.

Read More →
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamJune 9, 2023

Garmont Working to Grow LE Market Presence

Garmont Tactical has found wide acceptance by military boot buyers, but now the company is trying to better respond to the needs of police officers. Many cops now are not fans of 8-inch boots, so Garmont is adapting.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Inside the Badge by StaffJune 7, 2023

Publisher’s Note: Our Commitment to You

Through our magazine and website and our Police Technology eXchange event, we promise to provide you with information and access to resources to help you do your job safer and better.

Read More →
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamJune 2, 2023

10 Tips for Responding to Mental Health Crisis Calls

The Harris County Sheriff's Office is a model for other agencies that want to learn about crisis intervention and mental health crisis response. Sgt. Jose Gomez shares the story of their programs and provides 10 tips for mental health crisis call response

Read More →
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamMay 22, 2023

5 Things to Know When Buying Concealed-Carry or Off-Duty Holsters

Mike Barham, of Galco Holsters, shares five important considerations to keep in mind when you buy off-duty concealed or plain-clothes carry holsters.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
10 Tips for Reviewing Use-of-Force Reports - Police Law Enforcement Solutions graphic
Inside the Badge by Wayne ParhamMay 10, 2023

10 Tips for Reviewing Use-of-Force Reports

While the burden of accurately reporting use-of-force situations is on an individual deputy or officer, the person reviewing those reports shares in the responsibility of making sure the reporting is done properly, with clear details included.

Read More →