Most traffic tickets are civil infractions. Civil infractions are minor violations of the law that are punishable only by a fine. Further, points may be assessed to your driver's license record. The Secretary of State provides a list of assessed point values.
Because most of these tickets are civil in nature, there is a low standard of proof that needs to be presented by the policer officer to the court. Because of this, traffic tickets can be difficult to fight. However, there is no harm in trying to contest a ticket.