X17 was on the scene, but not in trouble!, just a half hour ago when five photographers' cars were pulled over by police in front of the Beverly Hills Hotel -- Britney's inside.

The paps weren't speeding -- on the contrary, they weren't moving! The cops cited photographers for impeding the flow of traffic, according to our guys on the scene. Apparently it's a small fine, but the Beverly Hills Police Department wants to send a message -- stay away from rich people in the nice hotels and give them their space!