What is the difference between a warning and a ticket?

A warning and a ticket are both forms of reprimand issued to drivers for violating state highway laws. However, there is a key difference between the two. A warning is typically issued by a police officer when a driver has committed an infraction that does not rise to the level of a significant violation. In most cases, a warning is issued to educate the driver and serve as a reminder to obey the traffic laws. For example, a warning may be issued for driving 5 miles over the speed limit. A ticket is a more serious form of reprimand and carries legal penalties. It is typically issued by a police officer when a driver has committed a significant violation. Once issued, the driver will have to pay applicable fines as well as incur points on their license. The amount of points and fines depends on the violation, but can range from $100 to several thousand dollars. An example of a ticket-worthy violation would be reckless driving. Both warnings and tickets provide the same purpose: to punish the driver for breaking the law and to create an incentive to drive responsibly. However, warnings are much less severe than tickets because they do not carry legal penalties.

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