What could happen if a police officer wanted me to sign a traffic ticket and I refused?

A person is free to refuse to sign the traffic ticket, however, the police officer id free to place them under arrest and take them into custody.

If you do not sign the ticker, the officer has the right to take you into custody since you are being accused of violating a law.

The traffic ticket contains an actual notice to you of a pending court date at which you must appear. By signing the ticket, you are providing an acknowledgement of receipt of the "notice to appear." Since the officer is charging you with a violation of the law, he could take you into custody at the time, and are "released on your own recognizance" pending the court date. It is better to sign the traffic ticket and go about your business pending the court date. By signing the traffic ticket, you remain free and retain the right to show up at the hearing to contest the issuance of the citation or summons. A person is free to refuse to sign the traffic ticket; however, the police officer is free to place them under arrest and take them into custody.