What is the purpose of a traffic citation?

A traffic citation serves primarily as a legal notice of a violation. When a law enforcement officer issues a citation, it is an official document that indicates a specific traffic law has been broken. This document records the offense and notifies the driver of the legal implications that come with that violation, which may include fines, points on their driving record, or even mandatory court appearances.

While the other choices—such as notifying drivers of traffic rules or informing the public about road conditions—reflect some aspects of traffic management, they do not capture the essential legal function of a citation. The citation itself is not designed to be a reward for good behavior; rather, it acts as a formal mechanism in the enforcement of traffic laws, ensuring that violations are documented and addressed appropriately within the legal system.