What legal document is issued to a driver when they commit a traffic violation?

When a driver commits a traffic violation, the legal document issued to them is a traffic citation or ticket. This document serves as an official notification that the driver has been observed breaking a traffic law. It typically includes details such as the nature of the violation, the time and location it occurred, and any applicable fines or instructions for further action, such as court appearances.

This enforcement tool is crucial for maintaining traffic safety regulations; it can lead to penalties such as fines, points on a driver’s record, or even court appearances, which helps ensure compliance with traffic laws. In contrast, a driver's license functions as proof of an individual's ability to operate a vehicle, vehicle registration identifies the ownership of a vehicle, and an insurance policy provides financial protection in case of accidents, none of which are direct responses to traffic violations.