What is a traffic ticket?

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A traffic ticket is a citation or summons issued to a violator of one or more traffic violations (motor vehicle laws). The citation or summons, issued by a police officer or other authorized representative of the government, is an order to appear in court before a judge (or magistrate). After being issued the citation or summons, the person accused of violating the law can remain free pending his/her need to appear in court.

Other Traffic Violations FAQs

Q: What is the Effect of a Traffic Ticket on Your Car Insurance Rates?
A: The bad news is that even one traffic ticket can raise your insurance rates. Typically, when you plead guilty or are found guilty of a traffic offense points … More
Q: I Didn't Mean To Speed, Can I Still Get A Ticket?
A: Yes, a speeding ticket does not take into account the reason for speeding. This is called a strict-liability offense. The police only have to prove that … More
Q: Is signing the ticket an admission of guilt?
A: No, it's just your acknowledgment of receipt of the notice to appear . Because you are actually being charged with a violation of law, the officer could … More
Q: I Forgot My License At Home, Am I In Trouble?
A: You should carry your license with you whenever you are operating a motor vehicle. In some states you may be able to avoid a conviction if you bring your … More
Q: Should I hire a Traffic Violation Attorney?
A: If you are the holder of a commercial driver's license (CDL) and are convicted of certain traffic violations while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), or … More
Q: What Is Traffic Court?
A: Traffic court is a type of court that mainly handles traffic laws such as traffic citations and tickets. A traffic court can be completely separate from other … More
Q: Do I Have To Go To Court To Pay My Fine?
A: No, in most states you can mail your fine directly to the court house. Some states even allow you to make a payment online. However, you can always pay … More
Q: What Do Traffic Violation Attorneys Do?
A: The right to drive is a privilege, which is mainly governed by the individual states. Traffic violation attorneys deal with a mix of regulations and … More
Q: Are traffic violations civil or criminal matters?
A: Traffic violations are considered criminal matters, and are handled as criminal law cases. As a result, the sentence imposed is an obligation that the offender … More
Q: What do I do if I am pulled over by the police?
A: When you see flashing red and blue lights behind you, your heart starts to race and your palms begin to sweat. Being pulled over a police officer can be a … More