What is the difference between a citation and a ticket?

In North Dakota, a citation and a ticket are both forms of punishment for breaking traffic laws. However, they differ in several key ways. A citation is an official document which states that a person has committed a minor offense and must either pay a fine or appear in court. Citations are issued by police officers for minor offenses such as parking violations, failing to wear a seatbelt, or failing to yield. A citation does not require any points to be assessed on the driver’s license, and the person receiving the citation will not have to appear in court unless they choose to contest the citation. A ticket is a more serious form of punishment, which is issued for serious traffic violations. Tickets require the driver to pay a fine and may result in points being assessed on the driver’s license. In addition, the driver may be required to appear in court to face the charges against them. In more serious cases, a ticket can even lead to the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license. In summary, a citation is more of a minor offense and does not require a court appearance, while a ticket is a more serious violation which may result in points on the license and a court appearance.

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