What is the primary purpose of a citation?

The primary purpose of a citation is to require the individual to appear in court. A citation serves as a legal document that informs the recipient of the specific laws or regulations they are alleged to have violated and compels them to respond to the charge, typically by appearing before a judge. This process ensures that individuals have the opportunity to contest the violation in a legal setting and uphold their rights within the judicial system.

While the issuance of a fine may accompany a citation, it is not the primary function; rather, the key element is the summons to appear in court. A citation also does not inherently serve to collect evidence against the offender, as the evidence collection typically occurs during the enforcement process or subsequent investigations. Additionally, while traffic rules are important for public safety, the citation itself is not intended to notify the public of those rules but instead serves as a formal notification to the individual involved.