Legal Definitions - infraction

An infraction is a minor violation of a law, rule, or ordinance. It represents the least serious type of offense in the legal system, typically punishable only by a fine and never by incarceration. Infractions are significantly less severe than misdemeanors.

An infraction is a minor violation of a law, rule, or regulation. These offenses are considered less serious than misdemeanors or felonies and typically result in a monetary fine rather than jail time. Infractions are often associated with minor traffic violations or breaches of local ordinances, and they do not carry the possibility of incarceration.

• Example 1: Littering in a Public Park

  Imagine someone drops a used coffee cup on the ground in a public park, despite clear signs indicating "No Littering." If a park ranger or police officer observes this, they might issue a citation for littering.

  How this illustrates an infraction: Littering is generally considered a minor offense, a violation of a local ordinance aimed at maintaining public cleanliness. The penalty for such an act is typically a fine, not arrest or jail time, making it a classic example of an infraction.

• Example 2: Jaywalking

  A pedestrian crosses a busy street outside of a designated crosswalk, even though a crosswalk is available nearby and the "Don't Walk" signal is illuminated. A police officer witnesses this and issues a ticket.

  How this illustrates an infraction: Jaywalking is a minor traffic violation designed to ensure pedestrian safety and orderly traffic flow. While it breaks a rule, it's not considered a criminal act warranting severe penalties like imprisonment. Instead, it typically results in a fine, fitting the definition of an infraction.

• Example 3: Expired Pet License

  A city ordinance requires all dog owners to register their pets annually and display a current license tag. A dog owner, due to oversight, fails to renew their dog's license for several months. During a routine check, an animal control officer discovers the expired license.

  How this illustrates an infraction: Failing to renew a pet license is a breach of a local administrative regulation. It's a minor oversight that doesn't pose a direct threat to public safety or property. The consequence would typically be a fine, possibly with an additional fee for late renewal, rather than any form of incarceration, clearly demonstrating it as an infraction.