What is a citation in terms of traffic violations?

A citation, in the context of traffic violations, refers to a formal notice issued by law enforcement to someone who has violated traffic laws. This document serves several purposes, primarily to inform the individual of the specific violation they have committed, and it typically includes details such as the nature of the offense, the time and place it occurred, and the potential penalties.

Receiving a citation means that the individual may need to address the violation, which could involve paying a fine, appearing in court, or participating in a traffic school program, depending on the seriousness of the offense. It is an official act of documentation confirming that a traffic law was broken, unlike other options, such as warnings or receipts, which do not serve this specific legal function.