Which agency is primarily responsible for issuing traffic citations in Arizona?

The Arizona Highway Patrol is the agency primarily responsible for issuing traffic citations in Arizona. This agency, now part of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, has the jurisdiction and authority to enforce traffic laws on highways and other roadways throughout the state. They conduct traffic stops, investigate accidents, and ensure compliance with traffic regulations, which includes issuing citations for violations.

The other entities mentioned have different roles. The Department of Transportation primarily oversees the state's roadways, traffic systems, and public transportation but does not handle law enforcement or citation issuance. Local police departments may issue traffic citations within their jurisdictions, but they are not the primary agency for statewide traffic law enforcement. The Department of Motor Vehicles focuses on vehicle registration, licensing, and related administrative tasks rather than active law enforcement. Therefore, the Arizona Highway Patrol is the correct and central body for enforcing traffic laws and issuing citations.