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If an officer stops you and issues a citation, you might think, "is a citation a ticket?". It indeed is, and they're both the same thing. The term "citation" is the official term employed by police officers and the legal system. The word "ticket" is used more informally, but both citations and tickets are a reference to the written document that demonstrates a specific kind of infraction. Tickets are typically issued by police officers and other municipal officials (such as tickets for parking violations).

Speed camera systems, also known as red lights, could cause a citation later. Some states do not allow this type of technology. Some states do not. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) offers a state-by-state list of automated laws on this page, which you can determine if this is something you should be aware of within your particular state. If you are issued a ticket that you're not able to pay, you'll be required to pay a fine and might be required to appear in court based on the type of traffic ticket that you receive.

What Is A Citation?

The term "traffic citation," also known as an auto citation or a ticket, is a written notification that you get from a police officer. The citation will explain why you were in violation regardless of whether you were speeding, ignoring the stop sign, or another offense. The basic idea is to receive an infringement ticket if you violate traffic laws. The ticket is written evidence of the violation. It typically includes information regarding correcting the situation, like paying the required fine or attending court on a particular date.

Different Types of Citations

Warning

In the event of an incident and the seriousness of the offense, police officers could decide to issue an order of warning. A warning is not a monetary penalty and won't affect your insurance premiums. First-time offenders are typically more likely to be issued warnings than those with several violations within their driver's record. Even if they have a clean driving record, those with the most serious traffic violations will likely have a formal warning. Verbal warnings don't transfer to driving records; however, in certain instances, written warnings can. These could reduce the chance of being able to get another warning later. For example, if an officer notices that a motorist has been given multiple speeding tickets, the officer is more likely to issue an arrest instead.

Penalties and Fines

If you're caught slowing down, a speeding red light, or other common violation of the law, you could receive a ticket with penalty charges and fines. Most of the time, the tickets in this category are reserved for violations that are not likely to result in prison time or criminal charges. Although these tickets might not result in incarceration, they typically increase the cost of insurance. Most non-moving offenses, such as those that occur when the vehicle is parked into this category. For example, expired tags and certain types of parking violations typically fall under this category.

Traffic Violations That Are Felony and Misdemeanor

In general, this kind of ticket is reserved for offenses found to be felonies or misdemeanors. The most serious traffic violations like hit-and-runs or a Dui may result in harsh fines, jail time, or suspension of a driver's license. These types of violations can lead to substantial increases in insurance premiums, and the insurance company could decide to eliminate the offender from their list of customers and cancel their insurance plan.

How Citations Affect Your Insurance

Your driving history has an important influence on the cost you pay for insurance on your car. Suppose you've had at least one traffic ticket that you're likely to be charged greater than one who does not have any. However, not every kind of traffic citation has the exact effect on your insurance for your car. States give demerit points to various moving violations. And generally, the higher the number of points you accumulate, the riskier to insure since the points can be a sign of numerous and potentially serious tickets. If this is the first offense in the last three years and a minor infraction, it is unlikely that the insurance premiums will rise. Parking tickets and other non-moving offenses aren't likely to affect your insurance. If you've previously enjoyed a safe driving discount, you could lose the discount following the issuance of a speeding fine.