What is the purpose of traffic citations?

The purpose of traffic citations primarily revolves around penalizing violations of traffic laws. When a driver commits an infraction, such as speeding or running a red light, law enforcement issues a citation as a formal notice that the behavior is unacceptable and violates established traffic regulations. This system serves to enforce compliance with the law, deter unsafe driving habits, and ultimately enhance public safety on the roads.

Traffic citations aim to hold drivers accountable for their actions and encourage adherence to driving laws that exist to protect all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. By imposing fines or other penalties, traffic citations aim to alter behavior, reinforce the importance of following traffic signals, speed limits, and other regulations that contribute to overall traffic safety and order on the roadways.