A traffic ticket or citation is a document written by a police officer that alleges the driver (operator) of a motor vehicle committed a violation of state or local traffic laws while the motor vehicle was moving (also known as a moving violation).

A ticket or citation issued to the owner of a motor vehicle for violation of a state or local law that is alleged to have occurred while the vehicle was not moving (such as a parking violation)—and tickets or citations issued to pedestrians or operators of bikes, skateboards, or other non-motor vehicles for illegal use of streets, sidewalks, and other driveways—are known as nonmoving violations. A ticket or citation for illegal parking or another nonmoving violation usually requires the person to pay a fine by a certain date or appear in court to contest the charge.

A traffic ticket or citation usually requires the driver to pay a fine by a certain date or appear in court to contest the charge. In some states traffic violations are low-level misdemeanor criminal offenses—but in other states traffic tickets are classified as infractions or civil offenses. If a ticket or citation is classified as a criminal offense the driver's guilt or innocence will be determined by a jury or judge. But if a ticket or citation is classified as a civil infraction, violation, or offense the driver will be determined (adjudged) to be responsible or not responsible.

In Montana (MT), traffic tickets or citations for moving violations are issued by law enforcement officers when a driver is suspected of violating state or local traffic laws while operating a motor vehicle. These violations can range from speeding to running a red light. Nonmoving violations, such as parking infractions, are also enforced through tickets or citations and typically require the owner of the vehicle to pay a fine or contest the charge in court. In Montana, traffic violations can be classified as misdemeanors or infractions depending on the severity of the offense. Misdemeanor traffic offenses may require a court appearance and can result in a jury or judge determining guilt or innocence. Infractions, on the other hand, are usually resolved by paying a fine or contesting the charge in a court hearing where a judge will determine responsibility. It is important for individuals who receive a traffic ticket in Montana to understand the classification of the offense and the corresponding legal procedures.