You may see this on a ticket, court notice, or insurance letter as a charge level next to the violation: one citation is labeled an "infraction," while another is marked "misdemeanor." That label tells you how serious the offense is and what kind of consequences can follow.

A traffic infraction is the lower-level category. It usually leads to a fine, court costs, and possibly points or license consequences, but not jail time. A misdemeanor is a criminal offense. It can bring higher fines, a criminal record, probation, and sometimes jail. In traffic cases, misdemeanors often involve conduct that creates greater danger, such as reckless driving, driving under the influence, or leaving the scene of a crash. The trap is assuming all traffic tickets are "just tickets." They are not.

This difference matters fast after a collision. A misdemeanor charge can become strong evidence that a driver acted carelessly or knowingly took risks, which may support a personal injury claim. An infraction can also help show fault, but it usually carries less weight. Either way, a citation is not the same thing as automatic civil liability.

In Wyoming, consequences can also affect a driver's record through the Wyoming Department of Transportation. On routes like I-80 and I-25, where weather, speed, and wildlife collisions involving deer or moose can turn serious quickly, the charge level can shape insurance disputes, comparative negligence arguments, and how aggressively the other side fights the claim.