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 New Jersey, traffic tickets or citations are issued for moving violations when a driver is alleged to have broken traffic laws while operating a motor vehicle. Examples include speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence. Nonmoving violations, on the other hand, pertain to offenses such as parking violations or infractions involving pedestrians or non-motor vehicle operators using streets and sidewalks improperly. For both types of violations, the individual typically has the option to pay a fine by a specified date or to appear in court to contest the charge. In New Jersey, most traffic violations are considered civil offenses rather than criminal; however, more serious offenses, like driving under the influence, can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. The adjudication process for civil traffic infractions does not involve a jury, and the determination of responsibility is made by a judge or a municipal court hearing officer.