Can a Police officer issue a ticket on private property?

Question

Can they ticket somebody on private property like at the mall

Answer 1

in my old jurisdiction we could site for the following.

(1)..handicapped parking zone violations.

(2)..reckless operation.

(3)..blocking or obstructing a fire zone.

(4)..D.U.I.

(5)..any violation of the drivers license law.

Answer 2

The police can ticket anywhere they are called to patrol. If the police are ticketing at the mall, then something has happened, or the mall has requested police assistance in curbing some type of behavior. The mall can also be argued to be a public place since it is a place of public gathering
Under normal circumstances, the police cannot go on private property without just cause. This falls under the unlawful search and seizure requirement of the Bill of Rights. If they feel there is a crime being committed, the police can go anywhere.

Answer 3

Actually, it depends. Most traffic offenses have to occur "on the roadway" or "on the highway" so a lot of traffic offenses have no application on private property and you can't get a ticket.

However, there are traffic offenses that are applicable to private property such as drunk driving or driving on a suspended license or parking in a fire lane. Sometimes, if the proper signs are posted on private property, you can get a ticket, but if it's not properly posted, you can't.

The vehicle code or revised statutes in your state will actually spell out whether the violation applies on private property or not. Some do, some don't.

I'm making the assumption you are talking about driving offenses because you use the word "ticket."

Answer 4

First off a Mall is considered "Quasi-Public" Property--meaning that it is privately owned but is accessed by the public. Most malls fall under 'municiapl statute' where the municipal council will pass a resolution that says motor vehicle laws can be enforced. If there is no specific resolution then laws such as Fire zone Parking, Handicapped Parking, DWI, Reckless Driving can be enforced.

In cases of "true" private property IE: your driveway or your backyard.......These laws can be enforced. In my area anyway.

Reckless driving, DWI, Suspended Drivers License.

Answer 5

Yes, they can. And I have on more than one occassion. I have written them at hotels, shopping centers, hospitals, and anywhere else I felt the need. There is one particular Subway restaurant that I stop into for lunch every day where people like to park illegally in the fire lane and handicapped spaces right out front. I usually give them a few minutes to move while I'm eating. But, if they are still parked there when I finish eating and make it out to my car, they're getting a ticket. Most of them don't move, though, since I am a plain clothes officer and drive an unmarked car. As I see it, though, illegal parking is illegal parking. Most people don't even argue about it. They know they were wrong and just pay their fines.

Answer 6

Yes, a police officer has jurisdiction on private properties, especially places like malls.

Answer 7

Yes. Although technically private property, there is "public Access" therefore, law enforcement can enforce laws there. ALso, even on true private property, where the general public does not have access, laws still apply. In otherwords, if you were setting up a drug lab on private property, you would be subject to the law.

Answer 8

Police officers can cite for violations and misdemeanors committed in their presence. In an officer's presence means any of the five senses. If you are on private property and a police officer witnesses a violation or misdemeanor, you can be cited or arrested for it. Say I'm on a sidewalk and you're on your porch, smoking crack. As long as my feet are in a legal place, anything i see, hear, smell, etc., is subject to enforcement.

Answer 9

Yep, especially if the infraction was off property. If someone is driving recklessly in a parking lot and hits a car and is caught on site then, again, they can issue a ticket.

Answer 10

Yes, if you are breaking the law. FYI the mall is not a considered private property.

Answer 11

Most malls are located inside a city jurisdiction that normally have ordinances in place to allow officers to issue traffic summons in a parking lot as you describe!

Best wishes!