A traffic ticket or citation is a document written by a police officer that alleges the driver (operator) of a motor vehicle committed a violation of state or local traffic laws while the motor vehicle was moving (also known as a moving violation).

A ticket or citation issued to the owner of a motor vehicle for violation of a state or local law that is alleged to have occurred while the vehicle was not moving (such as a parking violation)—and tickets or citations issued to pedestrians or operators of bikes, skateboards, or other non-motor vehicles for illegal use of streets, sidewalks, and other driveways—are known as nonmoving violations. A ticket or citation for illegal parking or another nonmoving violation usually requires the person to pay a fine by a certain date or appear in court to contest the charge.

A traffic ticket or citation usually requires the driver to pay a fine by a certain date or appear in court to contest the charge. In some states traffic violations are low-level misdemeanor criminal offenses—but in other states traffic tickets are classified as infractions or civil offenses. If a ticket or citation is classified as a criminal offense the driver's guilt or innocence will be determined by a jury or judge. But if a ticket or citation is classified as a civil infraction, violation, or offense the driver will be determined (adjudged) to be responsible or not responsible.

In California, traffic tickets or citations for moving violations are issued to drivers who are alleged to have violated state or local traffic laws while operating a motor vehicle. These violations can range from speeding to running a red light. The recipient of a moving violation ticket is typically required to either pay a fine by a specified date or appear in court to contest the charge. Nonmoving violations, such as parking tickets, are issued to vehicle owners for infractions that occur while the vehicle is stationary. These also usually require payment of a fine or a court appearance to dispute the charge. In California, most traffic violations are considered infractions, which are not criminal offenses but may still have consequences such as fines, points on the driver's license, and increased insurance rates. More serious offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI), can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. For infractions, the determination of responsibility is typically made by a judge rather than a jury. It's important for individuals who receive any type of traffic citation in California to understand their legal obligations and rights, including the potential consequences of the violation and the process for contesting the ticket if they choose to do so.