For offenses other than driving while intoxicated or reckless driving, police officers after making note of the license number of the vehicle (and the name of the offender where possible) may issue a traffic violation ticket notifying the offender to appear in court at the time designated for hearing the cases. The officer may sign a complaint for the issuance of a warrant if the offender does not appear at the time and place so specified.
(`70 Code, § 13-261)