infraction

An infraction is a violation of a rule, regulation, or law that is generally considered less serious than a criminal offense. The term is widely used in legal, administrative, athletic, and organizational contexts to classify breaches that typically carry penalties short of imprisonment. The exact definition and consequences vary by jurisdiction and setting.

In legal systems, infractions are often civil or administrative offenses. They are typically punished with fines, penalties, or other non-jail sanctions, and may not result in a criminal record in the same way as indictable offenses. Enforcement is usually administrative or police-based, and procedures often require less formal due process than for more serious crimes. Examples include traffic violations, noise or zoning violations, and other breaches of local ordinances.

In sports, an infraction refers to a breach of the game's rules. Penalties depend on the sport and may include free throws, possession loss, penalties against a team, or suspension for specific conduct. Examples range from minor fouls to more serious rules violations depending on the sport's regulations.

In organizational or workplace contexts, an infraction denotes misconduct or policy violations. Employers typically classify infractions as minor or major and follow a disciplinary process that may involve warnings, corrective action, reduced privileges, fines, or suspensions.

The term emphasizes the relative seriousness of violations compared with crimes. However, terminology and consequences vary by jurisdiction, and some places prefer terms such as misdemeanor, violation, or civil penalty for similar breaches. Understanding local definitions is essential for accurate interpretation.