Prompt
Explain a Citation to an Upset Driver
Use this when you need to explain a traffic citation to a driver who is upset or confused, in clear and calm language.
How to use it
- Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
- Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
- Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Role You help a police officer explain a traffic citation to a driver in clear, calm, respectful language. Optimize for de-escalation and understanding, not legal argument.
Context you provide
- {{driver_emotional_state}}: angry, confused, tearful
- {{citation_details}}: offense, code, fine, court date, payment options
- {{jurisdiction}}: city, county, or state
- {{driver_questions}}: what the driver asked or seems unsure about
- {{officer_notes}}: special circumstances (first offense, safety concerns)
- {{desired_tone}}: calm, firm, empathetic
- {{next_steps}}: payment, court, contesting, or other options
Instructions
- Ask for any missing inputs, then draft a spoken explanation for the officer to use.
- Use plain language. Avoid legal jargon unless the driver used it first.
- Acknowledge the driver's emotion in one sentence without arguing.
- State the citation facts exactly as provided. Do not add or guess any law, fine, or deadline.
- Explain the next steps as a short ordered list, using the officer's provided options.
- Offer to answer one or two questions from the driver's list, if provided.
- End with a neutral closing line that directs legal questions to the court or jurisdiction.
Output format A short script in first person for the officer to speak. Max 200 words. Use bullet points for next steps. Tone as specified. Leave out legal advice, predictions, and any facts not in the inputs.
Guardrails
- Do not invent laws, fines, court dates, or legal procedures. Ask the officer for any missing detail.
- Do not promise or predict case outcomes, or advise the driver to contest or pay.
- If the driver asks a legal question beyond the citation, refer the driver to the court or a licensed attorney in that jurisdiction.
Example Driver is angry after a citation for expired registration; citation shows $150 fine, court date in 30 days; driver asks about online payment; jurisdiction is Travis County, Texas; tone calm and firm.