Those of us residing in Bowling Green can now breathe a sigh of relief that jaywalking will no longer go on our permanent record.

That’s right, the city of Bowling Green recently implemented the Civil Infraction Ordinance which reduced a number of criminal offenses to civil infractions.

The main difference, according to an article in today’s BG News, is that the offenses now carry only a fine, rather than criminal prosecution and addition to the offenders permanent record.

The recently re-classified infractions include barking dogs, jaywalking, noxious weeds, inoperable vehicles, nuisance parties, planting trees on public property, abandoned refrigerators and many, many forms of littering.

The BG News would like to thank the city for finally bringing these offenses down to a manageable level.

The fines are much more reflective to the “crime” committed than criminal prosecution would be.

The new ordinance allows a little more leeway for people to explain their situation and to remedy the situation for a fine reduction of up to 75 percent.

In addition, we would like to remind students to stay informed when these changes are happening in the city we live in.

A list of the new civil offenses, as well as the fines associated with them, are available through the City Planning Department on 305 North Church St.