Traffic ticket glossary

The terms you'll run into when you fight or pay a ticket — explained simply.

Adjudication Hearing

A formal proceeding where an official decides whether you are responsible for a cited violation. For many parking and camera tickets this is handled by an administrative agency rather than a criminal court. You can present evidence, question the citation, and receive a written decision. The outcome may be upheld, reduced, or dismissed.

Administrative Hearing

A review handled by a city or agency office rather than a criminal court, used for many parking tickets and camera violations. A hearing officer, not a judge, weighs the citation and any evidence you submit. Hearings may be available in person, by mail, or online depending on the jurisdiction. Decisions can often be appealed to a court if you disagree.

Arraignment

Your first court appearance for a traffic offense, where the charge is read and you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead not guilty, the court sets a date for trial. Arraignment is mainly used for moving violations and misdemeanor traffic charges, not routine parking tickets. Some jurisdictions let you skip it by responding to the citation in writing.

Bail Forfeiture

Paying the full fine amount, sometimes called bail on a traffic citation, which in many states resolves the case without a trial. Choosing to forfeit bail is effectively the same as pleading guilty or no contest, and the conviction can still add points to your record. It is the quickest way to close a case but gives up your chance to contest it. Drivers worried about points or insurance often weigh this against fighting the ticket.

Citation

The official document, often called a ticket, that alleges you committed a traffic or parking violation. It lists the alleged offense, the date and location, the fine or instructions, and your deadline to respond. A citation is an accusation, not a conviction. You generally have the right to contest it before any penalty becomes final.

Deferred Disposition

An arrangement where the court holds your case open for a set period instead of entering a conviction. If you stay out of trouble (and sometimes pay a fee or complete a course) during that time, the ticket is dismissed and never reported to your driving record. It is common in states like Texas as an alternative to traffic school. Eligibility and terms vary by court and by your driving history.

Dismissal

A ruling that ends your case without a conviction, leaving no fine or points from that citation. A ticket may be dismissed if the officer fails to appear or respond, if there is a procedural or evidentiary defect, or after you complete a program such as traffic school or deferred disposition. A dismissal is the best possible outcome when contesting a ticket. The exact grounds and process depend on the court and the violation.

Nolo Contendere (No Contest)

A plea, Latin for "I do not wish to contest," in which you accept the penalty without formally admitting guilt. For sentencing on a traffic charge it usually has the same effect as a guilty plea, including points. Its main practical benefit is that it generally cannot be used as an admission of fault in a related civil lawsuit, such as one arising from a crash. Whether it is available depends on the court.

Notice of Violation

A document mailed to a vehicle owner alleging an offense, commonly used for red-light and speed-camera tickets and some parking citations. It typically includes photos or other evidence, the alleged violation, and instructions to pay or contest by a deadline. It is not the same as being personally handed a citation by an officer. Responding by the stated deadline preserves your right to dispute it.

Points (License Points)

A score that your state department of motor vehicles adds to your driving record when you are convicted of certain moving violations. Accumulating too many points within a set window can lead to higher insurance rates or a license suspension. Different violations carry different point values, and points typically fall off after a few years. Avoiding points is often the main reason drivers contest a ticket or attend traffic school.

Traffic School / Defensive Driving

A court-approved course you can sometimes complete to keep a moving violation off your record or to remove points. Completing it may prevent the conviction from being reported to your insurer, which can protect your rates. Eligibility usually depends on the violation type and how recently you last attended. Courses are offered in person and online, and the court must approve the provider.

Trial by Written Declaration

A way to fight a traffic ticket entirely in writing, without appearing in court. You and the citing officer each submit written statements and evidence, and a judge decides the case based on the paperwork. It is available in California and a handful of other states, and is popular because the case is dismissed if the officer fails to respond. If you lose, you can usually request a new in-person trial (a trial de novo).