Changes to NRS 484A.703 dictate certain minor violations in Nevada have become civil infractions instead of criminal misdemeanors.
A Criminal Misdemeanor is an offense that is punishable generally by no more than 6 months incarceration and/or$1,000 fine (NRS 193.150)
A civil infraction is NOT a criminal offense. The penalty for a civil infraction is generally no more than $500.00 per violation, unless otherwise authorized by a specific statute. (NRS484A.7043). Since civil infractions are not crimes in Nevada, there is no possibility of jail time. Violators who are late in payment will not face a bench warrant but will be assessed a collection fee. Additionally, it is possible the DMV may suspend the violators license as a punishment for being delinquent in payments.
Violators have 90 days to respond to the civil infraction citation by either paying the balance due or challenge it.
Examples of civil infractions include:
Driving through a safety zone
Failure to yield before turning left
Illegal U-turn
Running a red light
Speeding, less than 30MPH over the limit
Speeding in work and school zones
Texting while driving
Violating carpool rules
Parking violations In terms of a background check, if checking criminal records, these civil infractions will not be reported.