Practice question

What is the general penalty for a misdemeanor offense under this subtitle when no other penalty applies?

  1. Not less than $1 or more than $200
  2. Not less than $500 or more than $2,000
  3. A fixed $100 fine
  4. Imprisonment with no fine

Answer: A — Not less than $1 or more than $200

When a misdemeanor lacks any other prescribed penalty, the usual punishment is a monetary fine within a small range. The standard way this is set up is to require a fine of not less than $1 and not more than $200. This provides a light, predictable consequence for minor offenses without resorting to jail, unless the statute explicitly allows imprisonment. The other options describe penalties that are either harsher, fixed, or non-monetary. A range like $500–$2,000 is typically for more serious offenses or for offenses with higher penalties, not the default. A fixed $100 ignores the flexibility needed for different misdemeanor scenarios. Imprisonment with no fine would be a non-monetary penalty and would only apply if the law expressly permits it, not as the general default.

Practice more: Licenses Traffic Code 22.6-22.7 Phase 2 Practice Test →