What distinguishes a written warning from a traffic citation?

A written warning is considered less formal than a traffic citation because it serves as an informal notice to the driver about their behavior without imposing a formal penalty. Essentially, the purpose of a written warning is to alert the driver to an infraction, often to encourage better behavior in the future, without the legal consequences that accompany a traffic citation. In contrast, a traffic citation typically involves a formal charge, which could lead to fines or court appearances.

The other options highlight characteristics associated with traffic citations. Typically, a citation may indeed require a court appearance for certain violations, may be issued for equipment violations, and it does not usually result in immediate arrest unless there are more severe circumstances involved. These features emphasize the formal and legal nature of a citation compared to the more advisory nature of a written warning.