Traffic ticket

Traffic ticket is a notice issued by a law enforcement officer to a motorist or other road user, indicating that the user has violated traffic laws. Traffic tickets generally come in two forms, citing a moving violation, such as exceeding the speed limit, or a non-moving violation, such as a parking violation, with the ticket also being referred to as a parking citation, or parking ticket.

Types of Traffic Tickets

There are two main types of traffic tickets: Parking Tickets and Moving Violations.

Parking Tickets are issued when a vehicle is parked in a restricted area or in a manner that violates the rules of the road. This could include parking in a no-parking zone, parking in front of a fire hydrant, or parking in a handicapped spot without the proper permit.

Moving Violations are more serious and are issued when a driver violates the rules of the road while the vehicle is in motion. This could include speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Consequences of Traffic Tickets

The consequences of receiving a traffic ticket can vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In many places, a traffic ticket results in a fine, which the motorist can opt to pay or contest in court. In addition to the fine, points may be added to the motorist's driving record, which can lead to higher insurance premiums or even a suspension of driving privileges for repeat offenders.

In some jurisdictions, traffic school, or defensive driving courses can be taken in lieu of or to reduce any penalties.

Traffic Tickets Around the World

Traffic tickets are used in many countries around the world as a means of enforcing road safety. The specifics of how they are issued and the consequences for receiving one can vary greatly.

In the United States, traffic tickets are issued by local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies and can result in fines, points on a driver's license, or even jail time for serious offenses.

In the United Kingdom, traffic tickets are known as Penalty Charge Notices and can result in fines, points on a driver's license, or a court appearance for serious offenses.

In Australia, traffic tickets are issued by state and territory police forces and can result in fines, demerit points, or a court appearance for serious offenses.

See Also

• Speed limit
• Parking violation
• Traffic violation
• Law enforcement officer