What action must an officer take if a defendant fails to appear in court concerning a traffic ticket?

When a defendant fails to appear in court related to a traffic ticket, the correct course of action is typically the suspension of their driver's license. This consequence is part of the legal system's measures to encourage compliance with court mandates and to ensure that individuals take their traffic citations seriously. The suspension acts as a deterrent against neglecting court appearances.

The other options do not accurately reflect the standard judicial consequences that are typically applied in these situations. A written warning does not serve as an effective measure for accountability in instances of non-appearance at court. Impounding a vehicle may not be directly related to a missed court date and usually occurs under specific circumstances, such as violations occurring at the time of an offense. Issuing a new citation does not address the failure to appear and is not a standard legal remedy for that particular issue.