Mayor London Breed’s admission that she accepted $5,600 in assistance from former Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru was a major lapse in judgment and likely a violation of city rules barring the acceptance of gifts from subordinates as well.

But it won’t result in her being removed from office.

“There is an ethical violation, and I think the Ethics Commission could move on that, but I don’t see any kind of criminal violation,” former Ethics Commission President Peter Keane said.

Breed is in hot water for having Nuru — who she once dated — take care of repairing her car last year and providing her with a rental car while the work was being done.

In most cases, a fine issued by the city Ethics Commission or the state Fair Political Practices Commission for such a violation is three times the amount in question. So Breed’s decision to let Nuru put up the $5,600 would cost her about $16,800.

But given the local commission’s track record, it will also take months — or even years — before a final determination is made.

“Although with something this high profile, I would think there would be pressure to move faster,” Keane said.

Whatever the two commissions might decide, it won’t lead to Breed’s removal from office.

“I don’t think it rises to that level,” Keane said.

Besides, under the City Charter, the only person who can remove or suspend a local official from office is the mayor. And chances are Breed isn’t going to remove herself.

The only way to remove a mayor by voter recall.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Phil Matier appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KGO-TV morning and evening news and can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call 415-777-8815, or email pmatier@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @philmatier