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infraction

in-FRACK-shun /ɪnˈfrækʃn/

nounC1SATGRETOEFL

formallegal

A minor violation or breach of a law, rule, or agreement, particularly one not punishable by imprisonment.

Represents the least severe category of traffic offenses, typically settled by a fine without criminal record.

The story behind the word. Derived from 'frangere' (the same root that gives us 'fraction' and 'fragile'), an infraction was originally a physical fracture or breaking. By the sixteenth century, English legal text adapted the word to mean the breaking or fracture of a legal contract or municipal statute.

Word relationships

infringement: Infringement often applies to intellectual property or rights, while infraction usually applies to minor codes and traffic rules.

compliance: Compliance means adhering strictly to rules, whereas infraction is breaking them.

Commonly confused with

misdemeanor: An infraction is a petty offense resulting only in fines; a misdemeanor is a crime that can result in jail time.

Word family

infract (verb): To break or violate a rule.
infractor (noun): One who commits an infraction.

Collocations

minor infraction
traffic infraction
commit an infraction
civil infraction

Example sentences

"Failing to signal when changing lanes is classified as a minor traffic infraction rather than a criminal offense." Traffic Offenses
"Because a parking violation is a civil infraction, defendants are not entitled to a court-appointed public defender." Legal Classification

Memory hook

An INFRACTION is a FRACTION of a real crime—minor, but broken. INFRACTION = light rule breaking.

When not to use

Do not use 'infraction' for major driving crimes like reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI), which are misdemeanors or felonies.

Fun facts

In many modern legal systems, traffic infractions do not grant the right to a trial by jury because they carry no potential jail sentence.