What’s the Difference Between a Citation and a Ticket?

Citation and ticket are two words that are frequently interchanged with one another because they have the same fundamental meaning: You are required to either pay a fine or appear in court because you have been charged with breaching a minor traffic statute. A citation or ticket may result in financial penalties in addition to having an effect on the premiums you pay for auto insurance. Although a citation and a ticket both signify the same thing, there are situations in which you will hear one of these terms used more frequently than the other. First, let's take a closer look at each word individually, and then we'll discuss the ways in which a moving violation on your driving record can cause your auto insurance rates to go up.

Key Takeaways

The terms "ticket" and "citation" are frequently used synonymously, and they refer to the same thing.
A citation is a more formal term that you will often notice when you are required to pay for your ticket or fight it.
In most cases, the word "ticket" will be used in connection to the specific type of infringement (speeding, parking, etc.).
The severity of the violation, as well as the state in which you reside, will determine how much of an impact a ticket or citation will have on your monthly vehicle insurance costs.

Is a Citation the Same Thing as a Ticket?

There is no difference between a citation and a ticket in any way. On the other hand, there are some contexts in which one word is typically substituted for the other. The following is a brief explanation designed to assist you in gaining a deeper comprehension of these two terms.

When Should One Make Use of the Word "Citation"?

The term "citation" is utilized in a manner that is somewhat more proper than the word "ticket." A citation is a command for an official document that requires a person to answer a small infraction. However, you can get a citation for more serious offenses as well, such as driving under the influence of alcohol. The following is a list of four common scenarios in which the word "citation" is used rather than the word ticket:

If you are required to input your citation number while you are online.
When the fine for your citation needs to be paid.
When you contest your citation.
In the event that you are required to appear in court for your citation.

You are not required to appear in court for every single traffic citation that you receive, but your local law enforcement may ask you to do so for more serious offenses. These often include driving while having a license that has been suspended, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving recklessly, and committing other major traffic violations.

When Is the Term "Ticket" Appropriate to Use?

The term "citation" is more formal than the term "ticket," yet both terms mean the same thing. It is a formal document that outlines the allegations against you as well as the steps that need to be taken in order to rectify the issue. The following are four situations in which people will typically use the word "ticket" rather than the phrase "citation":

When a member of law enforcement sends you a ticket.
When referring to a particular category of a traffic violation, such as a citation for excessive speeding or a parking penalty, for example.
In the event that you misplace your ticket and require a new one to be issued.
When your insurance company asks you about your driving history and discusses it with you.

Because of the Driver License Compact, your insurance provider in the majority of states will still be informed about any tickets you obtain when driving in another state (DLC). Don't make an effort to conceal this information from your auto insurance provider. Always tell the truth regarding your driving history.

What Impact Do Citations Have On Your Insurance?

Your previous record behind the wheel has a substantial bearing on the cost of your auto insurance premiums. If you have received one or more traffic penalties in the past, you should expect to pay a higher rate than someone who has none. However, the impact of a ticket on your auto insurance does not always correspond to the same category of infractions. Different types of moving offenses each receive a certain number of demerit points from the state. Generally speaking, the more points you have, the higher your insurance premiums will be because those points indicate many and potentially significant fines. The more severe the infraction, the greater the likelihood that you will receive a greater number of points. For instance, getting a DUI could cost you more points than simply failing to wear a seatbelt. If this is your first infraction in the last three years and it's a minor speeding ticket, your insurance premiums might not go up as a result of this infringement. Parking fines and other infractions that do not involve moving traffic might not factor into your insurance premiums. However, if you have ever been given a ticket for speeding in the past, you may find that you no longer qualify for the cautious driver discount.

Questions That Are Typically Asked (FAQs)

What steps do I need to take to have a traffic citation dismissed?

There are situations under which you might be able to get a traffic ticket dropped. You may be eligible to petition for a deferral or a deferred disposition if you are typically a cautious driver and do not have any other recent traffic tickets or deferrals on your driving record. This is very much like being on probation. If you are able to fulfill all of the requirements that are listed by your state over the entirety of the deferral time, then your ticket may be dismissed. In addition, if you successfully complete a defensive driving course, your penalty may be dismissed in some states. If you obtain a "fix-it" ticket for anything like a broken taillight or an expired driver's license, and you comply with the requirements of the ticket, you might be able to get your traffic penalty dismissed.

What are the repercussions of entering a not guilty plea to a traffic citation?

You have the right to enter a not guilty plea in court if you do not believe that you deserve the ticket or if there are additional facts that you want the court to take into consideration. If you choose to proceed in this manner, the specific procedure to follow will change depending on where you are located. In most cases, you have the option of representing yourself in court or hiring a lawyer. You will be required to make an appearance in front of the judge and provide an explanation as to why you do not believe you are guilty of the infraction. Read the wording on your citation very carefully at all times, and make sure to follow the guidelines before the deadline. What are the consequences of failing to pay a traffic ticket? If you don't pay your traffic ticket, you could end up having to pay additional fines, having your license suspended, and possibly spending time in jail. Always answer your traffic citations by the deadline that is indicated on the ticket itself to avoid situations like these.