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What is an infraction (infraction)?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: An act forbidden by law. An infraction is an act forbidden by law. There are three types: the contravention, the délit and the crime. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “Se conformer aux lois : les infractions (1/2)” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “Se conformer aux lois : les infractions (1/2)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ A decision made by a judgeUne décision prise par un jugeThe judge's decision is a sanction, not the infraction.
- ✓ An act forbidden by lawUn acte interdit par la loiCorrect answer. An infraction is an act forbidden by law. There are three types: the contravention, the délit and the crime.
- ✗ A simple rule of politenessUne simple règle de politesseA rule of politeness is not a law.
- ✗ The name of a courtLe nom d'un tribunalA court judges infractions; it is not the infraction.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Qu'est-ce qu'une infraction ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the multi-year residence card (CSP). The Ministry's wording: “Qu'est-ce qu'une infraction ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Se conformer aux lois : les infractions (1/2)” (French).
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