Legal Definitions - contravention

A contravention refers to an act that violates a rule, regulation, condition, or obligation. It signifies a breach of established legal or administrative requirements, often of a minor nature, which can lead to penalties such as fines rather than more severe criminal charges.

• Example 1: Traffic Regulation
  A motorist drives slightly above the posted speed limit on a residential street, triggering a speed camera. The driver receives a ticket in the mail for exceeding the speed limit.

  Explanation: The motorist's act of speeding is a contravention because it violates a specific traffic regulation (the speed limit) designed for public safety. This breach is typically handled as a minor offense, resulting in a fine and points on a license, rather than a serious criminal charge.

• Example 2: Building Code Compliance
  A homeowner decides to build a small shed in their backyard without first obtaining the necessary permits from the local municipal planning department, which are required for any new structures.

  Explanation: The homeowner's action constitutes a contravention of local building codes and zoning regulations. By failing to secure the required permits, they have violated an administrative obligation, which could lead to fines, a stop-work order, or the requirement to dismantle the structure until proper procedures are followed.

• Example 3: Workplace Safety Rule
  An employee at a manufacturing plant is observed by a supervisor operating machinery without wearing the mandatory safety goggles, despite clear company policy and signage requiring their use.

  Explanation: The employee's failure to wear safety goggles is a contravention of the company's established workplace safety rules and potentially broader occupational health and safety regulations. This violation of a safety obligation could result in disciplinary action, a warning, or a fine, as it puts the employee and others at risk.