The First Speeding Ticket Ever Issued Was in New York?

Was the first speeding ticket ever issued in the U.S. issued to a New York driver?

If you've ever been on the receiving end of a speeding ticket, you already know that not only can it be an emotionally filled experience, but it can be extremely costly.

Speeding Tickets in New York

It's almost impossible to say how many speeding tickets law enforcement issue each day across New York State, but the number has to be in the thousands. New data shows that during a recent period, speed cameras in New York City issued over 16,000 violations per day, so it's not a stretch to say that New Yorkers have a lead foot....LOL!

That's why it's probably no surprise that the first driver who was ever cited for speeding while operating an automobile happened in New York, sort of.

First Speeding Ticket Ever Issued

According to Automotive History, a New York City taxi driver named Jacob German was the first person in the U.S. to be cited for speeding while operating an automobile. It happened back in 1899, when German, who was operating a fully electric vehicle on a NYC street, was reportedly driving 4 miles per hour (mph) over the posted speed limit.

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Back then, drivers in New York were required to follow a posted speed limit for cars and horses of 8 mph when traveling in a straight line. When driving around a corner, drivers were required to slow down to a maximum speed of 4 mph.

Arrested for Speeding

Reports stated that on May 20th, 1899, German was traveling at 12 miles per hour when a police officer on a bicycle attempted to pull him over. German was going so fast that when the officer finally got him to stop, they actually arrested and sent him to jail.

Where Was the First Speeding Ticket Issued in the U.S.?

Records didn't show if German got a written citation or not, so there's some debate about whether he was the first in the U.S. The first documented paper ticket was issued in the U.S. back in 1904 and was issued to Harry Myers of Dayton, Ohio was also traveling at 12 mph.