California Car / Permit practice question · Penalties & Licensing
When you sign a traffic citation given to you by a law enforcement officer, you are:
Answer choices
- Promising to appear in traffic court— Correct answer
- Admitting guilt to the violation
- Waiving your right to contest the ticket
- Agreeing to pay the fine immediately
Why this is the answer
When you sign a traffic citation, you sign as a promise to appear in traffic court. If you fail to appear, the failure goes on your driver's record and DMV may suspend your driving privilege until you do appear. Keep that promise, because ignoring the date creates a separate problem on top of the ticket.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Points on Your Driver's Record
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
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