What Is a Traffic Citation?
A traffic citation, or ticket, is a summons issued by a law enforcement officer to a person accused of committing a traffic offense. A citation is an order to appear before a court to pay an associated fine or contest the charge.
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History
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The principle purpose of traffic laws is to deter unsafe driving and to reform bad drivers. Traffic citations are the primary means of enforcing traffic laws.
Function
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A traffic citation is a legal notice to the violator that they have been accused of violating a traffic law. It serves as a court summons and as the information on which traffic court prosecutors may file a charge.
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Types
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Traffic citations are typically issued for violations such as speeding, disregarding traffic control devices, failure to use turn signals, failure to yield right-of-way, improper turns, equipment violations and parking violations. Violations involving acts committed during actual vehicle movement are termed moving violations.
The Facts
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In most jurisdictions, traffic citations are considered "strict-liability" offenses, meaning that no proof of criminal intent is required for a conviction. The only standard is that a person committed a prohibited act while operating a motor vehicle.
Features
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Traffic violators are required to sign traffic citations at the time they are issued. Signing a citation merely acknowledges receipt and the duty to appear in court and does not serve as an admission of guilt or agreement with the charge.
Considerations
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Convictions for traffic violations can have a negative effect on driving privileges and often result in increased automobile insurance rates. Failure to pay traffic fines or appear in court in response to a traffic citation can result in the issuance of an arrest warrant.
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References
- Photo Credit police motorcycle image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
