(a) An offense is a violation if the offense is designated a violation by:
(1) The Arkansas Criminal Code; or
(2) A statute not a part of the Arkansas Criminal Code.
(b) Regardless of any designation appearing in the statute defining an offense, an offense is a violation for purposes of the Arkansas Criminal Code if the statute defining the offense provides that no sentence other than a fine, fine or forfeiture, or civil penalty is authorized upon conviction.