I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.
Let's put it this way: a ticket is just a piece of paper - it is not a formal complaint. So signing it really doesn't matter. As to the ticket, the Officer's copy must be identical to yours. So if there are any changes to it, you have a very good chance of fighting it and getting it dismissed.
If you want to read up on the codes in your county, type in your county name and then municipal code: so like los angeles county municipal code.
Do this in yahoo and you should be able to find the relevant information on issuing and being issued traffic citations.