Non-traffic infractions

What is a ticket for a non-traffic infraction?

A non-traffic infraction is a minor violation of a state or local law that isn't related to driving or traffic.

• A police officer or other law enforcement officer may give you one of these types of tickets (or citations) if you break one of these laws. 
• They are considered a crime, but they are the least serious type of offense (unlike misdemeanors or felonies). 
• An infraction is usually punishable by a fine and if the fine is paid, there is no jail time.
• Most infractions are written on a "ticket" form but infractions can also be filed by the prosecutor on a "complaint" document.

These tickets can cover things like:

• Not getting a license for your dog, walking your dog off leash when required to have your dog on leash
• Camping or sleeping in a public space
• Drinking alcohol in public
• Sitting or lying on a sidewalk

⚠️ Keep in mind that since non-traffic infractions can be violations of a local law, they can vary a lot from city to city, or county to county. Not all these examples will be considered infractions in all places or in all situations.

Difference between an infraction and a misdemeanor

Some tickets can be charged as either an infraction or a misdemeanor.

• Whether a ticket is an infraction or a misdemeanor depends on the city, county, the specific situation, and the officer or prosecutor.
• A misdemeanor can lead to jail time and a criminal record.

📌 To learn if you have an infraction or misdemeanor, check with the court ↗️ (link opens in a new tab) where you got your ticket. You can also check the ticket. If it has the letter "I" it is an infraction. If it has an "M" it is a misdemeanor.

⚠️ This page only covers infractions, not misdemeanors. If you get charged with a misdemeanor (or a felony), you should talk to a lawyer. If you can't afford one, the court will appoint one for you at your first court date (the arraignment).

What does the ticket say?

Your ticket will include:

• The citation number (or case number)
• What law you are accused of breaking
• Whether it's an infraction or misdemeanor
• The fine amount
• A deadline to pay or respond to the ticket
• Instructions on what to do next
• The address and phone number of the court

Check the ticket carefully. If you see the letter "M" next to the violation, it may be a misdemeanor (not an infraction, which is marked with the letter "I").

What happens if you get a non-traffic infraction?

These tickets are usually treated the same as traffic tickets. You generally do not need to go to court unless you want to fight the ticket. You often can pay the fine online, by mail, or in person.

You likely have a few options:

• Pay the fine — resolves the case
• Ask for more time — you may be able to ask for more time to deal with your ticket (an extension)
• Fight the ticket — you can contest it and go to trial with a judge (there is no jury for infractions)

⚠️ Paying the fine is treated as an admission that you committed the violation.

Can't afford to pay?

If you can't afford to pay, you may be able to ask the court to look at your financial situation. 

The court may:

• lower your fine
• set up a payment plan
• give you more time
• let you do community service

Check with the court ↗️ where you got your ticket to see if you have any payment options. 

What happens if you ignore the ticket?

Ignoring a ticket can make things much worse. The original fine may grow with late penalties and court fees, and the court may send the debt to a collections agency.

If you miss a required court date, the court can issue a warrant for your arrest.

💬 Get help

If you have questions about your ticket or are not sure what to do:

• contact the court listed on your citation ↗️ or
• talk to a lawyer ↗️