What is the difference between a citation and a ticket?

In South Carolina, citations and tickets are two different legal documents that can be issued to someone who is found guilty of breaking traffic laws. While both documents can lead to consequences such as fines and points on your license, there are distinct differences between the two. A citation is a document issued by a police officer on the scene of a traffic infraction, such as speeding or running a stop sign. The citation serves as a warning and must be signed by the driver as a promise to appear in court. Depending on the severity of the violation, the citation may also result in a monetary fine. A ticket, on the other hand, is issued after a driver has already been found guilty of a traffic infraction. This document is issued by the court, and the driver must appear in court to answer to the charge. The court can then choose to issue a monetary fine or community service for the infraction, or any combination of both. Additional penalties such as license suspension or revocation may also be imposed. In summary, a citation is a warning issued by a police officer at the scene of a traffic infraction, while a ticket is issued by the court after a driver has already been found guilty of the offense. The penalties for both documents are determined by the court, and can involve fines, community service, and other applicable penalties.

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What is the difference between a citation and a ticket?

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