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 Indiana, traffic tickets or citations for moving violations are issued by law enforcement officers when a driver is suspected of violating state or local traffic laws while the vehicle is in motion. Examples include speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence. Nonmoving violations, such as parking infractions, are also enforced through citations and typically require the owner of the vehicle to pay a fine or contest the charge in court. In Indiana, most traffic violations are treated as infractions, which are civil offenses rather than criminal. This means that the adjudication process does not involve a jury, and the determination of responsibility is made by a judge or through a pre-established administrative process. However, more serious offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving, may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, which are criminal in nature and could result in a jury trial. Individuals cited for traffic violations in Indiana have the option to pay the fine, attend a defensive driving course (if eligible), or appear in court to contest the charge. Failure to comply with the citation's requirements can result in additional penalties, including license suspension.