# Guide: The Infractions System
**URL:** https://community.electricforum.com/t/guide-the-infractions-system/2710
**Category:** Moderators Private Lounge
**Created:** [September 18, 2012, 1:40am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/guide-the-infractions-system/2710 "2012-09-18T01:40:14Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@EvForum](https://community.electricforum.com/u/EvForum)
#### Post date: [September 18, 2012, 1:40am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/guide-the-infractions-system/2710/1 "2012-09-18T01:40:14Z")
Hi All,
The forum’s infraction system is now live and available to all moderators to start using. Here are some basic instructions to get you started;
[B][U]What is an infraction?[/U][/B]
Moderators and administrators can give members an Infraction for breaking any of our rules. One infraction equates to [B][U]1 point[/U][/B]. When a member reaches [B][U]3 infraction points[/U][/B] then they are automatically banned. An infraction also has a time period of 60 days - after which time the point is removed.
[B][U]Instructions[/U][/B]
Please use the following method to give a member an infraction if you notice any rule breaking.
1. Click on to the members [user profile](http://www.electricforum.com/cars/members/myelectricfly.html).
2. Click the infractions tab. (Note: Here you can see if a member has any previous form as in [this example](http://www.electricforum.com/cars/members/myelectricfly.html).)
3. Click the [B][U]Give Infraction[/U][/B] link.
4. Choose the most appropriately titled infraction from the [B]Infraction Level[/B] group. Each item from this group relates back to one of our rules.
5. It is also optional to send the member a PM. This PM will be sent to new members too as it over-rides the PM restrictions. This will be handy to say things like contact us with a new user name etc. It is optional.
6. Click on the [B][U]Give Infraction[/U][/B] button and that’s it - the infraction has now been given.
7. Once an infraction has been served the system automatically creates a new thread with all the details of the infraction. This new thread is posted to a new sub forum in the Mod Lounge called [Infractions](http://www.electricforum.com/cars/infractions-reported-posts/). This is meant to act as a log so we all now what infractions others have served. It also allows us to discuss any issues associated with the infraction or member.
[B][U]A Warning (Not an Infraction)[/U][/B]
You can issue a warning using the same system as above. On the user profile - you will have the option of giving an infraction or a warning. The difference between an infraction and a warning is that a warning can be used to give members a friendly nudge in the right direction. A warning will not give the member a negative point and will not be called an infraction. If you think the member may have made an innocent mistake then [B]please issue them with a warning first[/B] and not an infraction. If the member persists after a friendly warning then it would be time to start issuing infractions.
Let me know if you have any questions otherwise please feel free to start using it.
Regards
Bob
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### Author:  [@EvForum](https://community.electricforum.com/u/EvForum)
#### Post date: [September 18, 2012, 1:44am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/guide-the-infractions-system/2710/2 "2012-09-18T01:44:30Z")
UPDATE:
There is also a quick way to give an infraction for a specific post. Simply click on the red / yellow card icon above the post which looks like:
The process is then the same as described above.
The nice thing about giving an infraction this way is that it copies in the content of the offending post - which is helpful to let the user know what the issue was.