Infraction as a general term means a voilation of a rule or local ordinance, regulation, promise, obligation, or contract.

United States

An infraction in legal sense (minor offense, minor violation, petty offense, or frequently citation) is a "petty" violation less serious than a misdemeanor. Infractions are considered civil cases, i.e., infraction is not a crime. The power to cite persons for infractions is usually left with administrative officials; it is not necessary to hold a court hearing nor is a citation the same as a conviction. Those cited are usually fined or ordered to remedy or mitigate the situation; incarceration as a punishment is rare.

Examples of infractions include jaywalking, littering, or violations of municipal codes (such as building or housing). In many jurisdictions today, traffic violations have been decriminalized and classified as infractions.

See also

• summary offence

Reference

• Black's Law Disctionary, ISBN 0-314-25791-8