What is the difference between a citation and a ticket?

Citations and tickets are both forms of punishment issued by law enforcement to individuals who break certain traffic laws. However, there are differences between them. A citation is a formal notice that informs someone that they have violated a law. The citation is similar to a written warning and does not carry any fines or penalties with it. However, it may require that the offender appear before a court and explain why they were in violation of the law. A ticket, on the other hand, is a legal document that comes with a fine and other penalties. Depending on the severity of the violation, a ticket can carry a financial penalty of up to several hundred dollars or even the requirement to attend a defensive driving class. In Michigan, some common tickets include speeding, running a stop sign, and failing to yield. It is important to note that even if a citation is issued, the individual might still be subject to legal consequences if they do not comply with the citation. In Michigan, if a citation is not answered within the allotted time, the person may be subject to a suspension of their license, or even worse, an arrest warrant. Therefore, although citations and tickets may both be forms of punishment for traffic violations, their differences are significant. Citations are similar to a warning, while tickets come with fines and other penalties. Both must be taken seriously, as failing to comply can lead to additional legal consequences.

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What is the difference between a citation and a ticket?

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