What does a traffic infraction NOT incur as punishment according to Maine law?

In Maine law, a traffic infraction is generally treated as a less severe violation compared to a criminal offense. The primary punishment for traffic infractions involves fines, which serve as a deterrent and a means for enforcement of traffic regulations. Unlike criminal offenses, traffic infractions do not typically result in arrest or incarceration, as they are not considered criminal in nature.

Incarceration is generally reserved for more serious offenses that warrant jail time as a punitive measure. Similarly, while fines can be imposed for infractions, the legal system recognizes that these violations usually do not carry the potential for arrest, which is more aligned with criminal conduct. Death as a punishment is not applicable, as it does not pertain to traffic infractions at all.

Therefore, the absence of the possibility of incarceration aligns with the understanding that traffic infractions are designed to be managed with civil penalties rather than criminal sanctions. This framework helps maintain a distinction between minor traffic violations and serious criminal offenses, which carry the potential for more severe legal consequences.