How are traffic citations typically issued?

Traffic citations are most commonly issued by law enforcement officers who directly observe a violation. This method allows officers to assess the situation in real-time, ensuring that the violation has occurred as they witnessed it. Officers are trained to interpret traffic laws and can provide an immediate response to unsafe behaviors, making their observations crucial for enforcing road safety regulations.

Automated cameras, while increasingly used in some areas to issue citations for specific offenses such as speeding or running red lights, do not capture the full scope of traffic violations and are not the primary means of issuing citations. Self-reporting by vehicle owners is generally not accepted in the context of traffic citations, as this could lead to disputes about the accuracy and truthfulness of the report. Waiting for multiple complaints before issuing a citation could delay necessary enforcement and does not align with proactive policing strategies aimed at preventing accidents and promoting safety on the roads.