In California

Most minor traffic offenses are considered infractions, and they are not criminal violations of the law. Usually, these types of violations carry relatively minor penalties, such as fines, and/or a point on your driving record. More serious traffic offenses may be charged as crimes, and a conviction can involve penalties such as large fines, victim restitution, drug or alcohol treatment, license revocation, and incarceration, and will go on your criminal record.