What options are available to a violator upon receiving a citation?

When a violator receives a citation, the available options generally include paying the fine by mail, attending a driver improvement school if eligible, or appearing in court on a designated date. This broader approach to resolving a citation caters to various circumstances and can provide opportunities for defendants to either contest the citation or take remedial steps, such as completing a driver improvement course, which may help in reducing the impact of the citation on their driving record or insurance.

Choosing to pay by mail allows the violator to resolve the issue without having to take time off for a court appearance, while attending a driver improvement school may not only remedy the situation but could also lead to the dismissal of the citation in some jurisdictions, depending on the local laws. Appearing in court gives the individual the chance to present their case to a judge if they wish to contest the citation.

In contrast, other options such as calling the officer, negotiating at the scene, or paying immediately at the scene may not provide the same formal pathways for resolution or could potentially complicate the matter further, as officers may not engage in negotiations regarding citations. Each jurisdiction may have specific procedures, but typically, the options highlighted in the correct answer align with standard practices in handling traffic citations.