Which of the following statements is false regarding court appearances in traffic cases?

In traffic cases, the statement that it is optional to appear in court is indeed false. Typically, defendants are required to appear in court for certain types of traffic violations. While there may be instances, such as minor violations or certain jurisdictions, where a written plea can be submitted instead of an in-person appearance, many traffic violations necessitate a court appearance, especially if the citation involves more serious consequences like points on a license or a potential suspension. Therefore, the requirement to appear in court is a standard procedure for many traffic offenses, underscoring the importance of compliance with legal obligations related to traffic laws.

The other statements are accurate: defendants usually have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty, failing to appear for the scheduled court date can lead to additional charges or penalties, and there is typically a scheduled court date provided for the proceedings.