Contravention of the highway code: payment of the fine

Verified 30 July 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

What is the amount of the fine in case of contravention to the highway code? When do you have to pay the fine? Is the amount higher if you pay late? How do I challenge the notice of contravention? We'll tell you the main rules to know about traffic violations.

If you are arrested by law enforcement

Law enforcement officials note the contravention and draw up a report.

In general, it is a electronic report (PVe).

If you have given your email to the law enforcement officer, you will receive by email a notice of violation indicating the amount of the fine and one payment notice.

Carte grise Otherwise, these documents are sent to the address indicated on the vehicle's certificate of registration (Certificate of Registration).

They can also be given to you, but this system is in danger of disappearing.

Please note

Depending on the severity of the contravention, your vehicle may be immobilized and/or impounded.

If the contravention is detected at a distance (radar, video-verb)

A contravention may be established at a distance by radar or video verbalization

One notice of violation indicating the amount of the fine, and one payment notice are sent to the address indicated on the carte grise vehicle registration certificate (VRC).

The infringements can be ascertained by or from a approved automatic recording equipment ( fixed or mobile radar) :

Non-compliance with signs requiring the stopping of vehicles (red light, stop...)
Failure to comply with the maximum permitted speeds.

Radar recording is also provided for the following offenses as soon as the automatic recording equipment is approved:

Failure to wear a seat belt
Use of the handheld mobile phone
Use of lanes and roadways reserved for certain categories of vehicles such as buses and taxis
Circulation, stopping, and parking on emergency stop strips
Non-compliance with safety distances between vehicles
Overlap and crossing of continuous lines
Traffic in the prohibited direction
U-turn or reverse on a motorway
Non-compliance with certain rules on exceedance
Engaging in an intersection that may prevent a vehicle from passing on the other lane
No motorized two-wheeled helmet
Failure to comply with the noise emission level of a vehicle traveling within a built-up area on a track where the maximum authorized speed does not exceed 50 km/h
Non-compliance with the rules concerning the weight limits of certain vehicles or vehicle combinations
Traffic, in normal running, on the left side of a two-way road.

The infringements can be seen by video verbalization :

Failure to wear a seat belt
Use of the handheld mobile phone
Ear-reading of any device capable of emitting sound, except electronic hearing-correcting apparatus
Use of lanes and roadways reserved for certain categories of vehicles. For example, public transport vehicles (buses...), taxis, vehicles carrying a minimum number of occupants (carpooling), very low emission vehicles
Use of greenways and pedestrian areas except within authorized perimeters
Non-compliance with local safety provisions concerning the prohibition of access of certain roads to certain categories of vehicles. For example, heavy goods vehicles.
Circulation, stopping, and parking on emergency stop strips
Non-compliance with safety distances between vehicles
Overlap and crossing of continuous lines
Traffic in the prohibited direction
U-turn or reverse on a motorway
Non-compliance with signs requiring the stopping of vehicles (red light, stop...)
Non-compliance with maximum permitted speeds
Non-compliance with certain rules on exceedance
Engaging in an intersection that may prevent a vehicle from passing on the other lane
Pedestrian crossing priority
Crossing violations (failure to meet track crossing priority and certain safety rules, failure to clear track immediately when approaching a train)
Failure to comply with local safety provisions concerning the crossing of bridges to certain categories of vehicles. For example, heavy goods vehicles.
No motorized two-wheeled helmet
Non-compliance with the rules on the wearing of registration plates
Failure to comply with the noise emission level of a vehicle traveling within a built-up area on a track where the maximum authorized speed does not exceed 50 km/h (video-verbalization is being tested)
Non-compliance with the rules concerning the weight limits of certain vehicles or vehicle combinations (the observation by video verbalization is being tested)
Traffic, in normal running, on the left side of a two-way road.

The amount of the fine varies according to the seriousness of the contravention.

Contraventions are classified into 5 classes, the least serious (1^re class) to the most serious (5^e class).

You must pay a flat-rate fine if you have committed a traffic violation of 1^e, 2^e, 3^e or 4^e class and certain contraventions of 5^e class.

Tableau - Amount of the flat-rate fine
Contravention	Normal
1^re class	€11
2^e class	€35
3^e class	€68
4^e class	€135
5^e class	€200

The time limit shall be either from the time the infringement is established or, if a notice of contravention is sent, from this submission.

You have to pay the flat-rate fine in a 45-day period (60 days in case of electronic payment by credit card the notice of contravention).

Yeah. Yeah. The amount of the flat-rate fine shall be underrated if you pay immediately in the hands of the officer or in a 15-day period.

When the notice of contravention is sent to your home, you benefit from a period of 30 days in case of electronic payment by credit card.

The payment period is short from the time the infringement is established or, if a notice of contravention is sent, from this submission.

Tableau - Amount of the flat-rate fine reduced
Contravention	Minor
1^re class	No amount reduced
2^e class	€22
3^e class	€45
4^e class	€90
5^e class	€150

FYI

The reduced amount of the flat-rate fine shall not apply to parking tickets prohibited.

If you don't pay the flat-rate fine within a period of 45 days (60 days in case of electronic payment by credit card in the notice of contravention), the amount of the monetary penalty is increased.

The period for payment shall run either from the date on which the infringement is established or, if a notice of infringement is sent, from that date.

You receive a opinion inviting you to pay the increased amount of the fine.

Amount of the fine increased

Tableau - Amount of the flat-rate fine plus
Contravention	Increased
1^re class	€33
2^e class	€75
3^e class	€180
4^e class	€375

Deadline for paying the increased fine

You must pay the increased fine in a 30-day period from the date of dispatch of the notice (45 days in case of electronic payment by credit card) to benefit from a reduction of 20 % of its amount.

If you do not meet this deadline, the Treasury can initiate a mutual agreement or legal procedure to obtain the payment.

If you have difficulty paying a flat-rate fine increased, you can request a payment delay or a gracious delivery.

You must send your request to public accountant.

Your request must be reasoned : Explain why you need time to pay or discount.

Attach the proof of your expenses and resources in particular.

If the public accountant considers your request to be justified, he or she may grant you either a payment period, or a gracious delivery partial or total (if necessary by applying a 20 % reduction).

Who shall I contact

Department in charge of taxes (treasury, tax department...)

To the law enforcement officer in the event of an arrest

Law enforcement intercepted your vehicle.

You can pay by credit card, by check or cash.

You can request to receive a receipt by email (sending is systematic if you pay in cash).

Some law enforcement officers only have a stumpage. In this case, the paper receipt is given to you after payment of the fine.

Over the Internet (on your computer or smartphone)

You can pay via the Internet if the payment reference (e.g. e-payment number + key) appears on the payment card.

Payment can be made on the fines.gouv.fr website or on smartphone by downloading the fines.gouv mobile app on the App Store or Google Play.

Pay your fine online at fines.gouv.fr

By telephone

You can pay by phone if the payment reference (e.g., e-payment number + key) is on the payment card.

Who shall I contact

Call center to pay your fine by phone
By telephone
0806 20 30 40
24 hours a day
No surtax number

From a buralist or certified partner

You can pay by credit card or in cash from an authorized dealer or partner Proximity Payment if the notice includes a Datamatrix.

You can also pay with a licensed dealer Electronic payment of fines, by any means accepted by the buralist.

You need the payment card attached to the ticket notice.

A proof of payment will be provided.

Please note

Payment from a licensed dealer Electronic payment of fines (i.e. by dematerialized stamp) is not accepted for an increased flat-rate fine.

Who shall I contact

Partner dealer for a local payment

To a Public Finance Center

You can pay the fine at the counter of a public finance center.

You need the payment card attached to the notice.

You can pay by credit card or check.

Who shall I contact

Department in charge of taxes (treasury, tax department...)

By mail (check)

You can pay the fine by check made payable to the public treasury.

Send the check and payment card in the envelope attached to postage.

If you no longer have the return envelope, send your check and payment card to the Public Finance Center. For a notice of contravention, contact information for the center is to be requested from the call center mentioned on the notice. In the case of a Notice of Assessment of Monetary Penalty, the contact details of the center are indicated on the notice.

Please note

The payment of the fine means that you acknowledge the offense. You will no longer be able to challenge your contravention. If it's a point-based offense, they're removed from your driver's license.

Reminder

You cannot challenge a notice of contravention if you have paid the fine.

What's the deadline to challenge?

You have a deadline of 45 days to challenge a flat-rate fine.

The period shall run from the date on which the offense or, if a notice of contravention is sent, from that sending.

You can request a " radar picture ” online or by post.

In the 2 cases, you must attach the following documents:

Readable copy of the registration certificate of the vehicle concerned
Readable copy of photo ID
Copy of the notice of contravention or the increased penalty.

You can use an online service:

Request for photography in case of radar fines

You must send your request on free paper to the Automated Traffic Offense Detection Center (CACIR).

Who shall I contact

Automated Traffic Offense Detection Center (CACIR)
Photo Request Service
CS 41101
35911 RENNES Cedex 9

How do I make the request?

You can challenge the ticket online on the website of theANTAI: titleContent.

See the Notice of Contravention for instructions on how to proceed.

Lump-sum Notice of Assessment: Designation of another person or online challenge

You must complete the form of request for exemption attached to the notice of contravention.

The form explains how to fill it and what supporting documents to attach depending on the reason for your challenge.

Send these documents by post RAR: titleContent to the Public Prosecutor's Office (PMO).

The address of the PMO is indicated on the notice of contravention.

What are the supporting documents to attach?

Supporting documentation will vary depending on the reason for the challenge.

In any case, please contact the notice of contravention and the exemption request form.

It wasn't your vehicle or it was stolen at the time of the offense

You must attach one of the following documents:

Receipt of a complaint for theft or destruction of the vehicle
Receipt of complaint for the offense of license plate theft
Copy of the vehicle destruction declaration
Copies of the vehicle transfer declaration and the vehicle registration record in the vehicle registration system (VRS).

Another driver was using your vehicle at the time of the offense

You must attach a letter specifying the identity, address and license reference of the person who was presumed to be driving the vehicle when the contravention was detected.

You're challenging the reality of the offense

You must attach a letter indicating the reasons for your objection.

You must also pay a consignment equal to the amount of the flat-rate fine.

The process for paying the deposit is the same as the process for paying the fine.

However, use the consignment card attached to the exemption request form, not the payment card.

FYI

Consignment does not result in the retraction of points on the driving license. The deposit will be returned to you at the end of the procedure in case of no follow-up classification or relaxation.

The public prosecutor's office may discontinue any proceedings, may sue you before the police court, or declare your objection inadmissible.

If the prosecution waives all legal proceedings

Your file is filed without further action.

You will receive a letter to inform you.

If you paid a consignment, this email tells you how to request your refund.

If the prosecution takes you to the police court

Three suites can be given.

Either the judge declares you criminally responsible

You must pay a fine that cannot be less than the amount of the fine due, increased by 10 %.

If you paid a consignment, the amount shall be deducted.

The number of points corresponding to the contravention is removed from your driving license.

Depending on the contravention, the judge may order one or more additional penalties. For example, road safety awareness course.

Either the judge declares you financially liable for payment of the fine

The offense was recorded at a distance, without stopping or intercepting the vehicle.

You have not proven the existence of theft of the vehicle or any other force majeure.

You were not identified as the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offense.

Therefore, your criminal responsibility cannot be upheld.

As the holder of the vehicle registration certificate, you must pay the amount of the fine incurred for the offense committed.

If you paid a consignment, its amount shall be deducted from the amount payable.

A declaration of financial responsibility does not lead to the withdrawal of any point(s) on your driving license, is not entered in your criminal record or taken into account for the recurrence.

The judge may order a discharge without any pecuniary sentence

You have proven that you cannot be the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offense.

No criminal or pecuniary liability can therefore be held against you.

If you paid a consignment, a specific form is sent to you to allow you to be reimbursed.

The Public Prosecutor's Office declares your challenge inadmissible

For example, your challenge is declared inadmissible because you did not attach the notice of contravention to the challenge form.

You will receive a letter to inform you.

If you paid a consignment, your deposit amounts to having paid the fine.

If you have not paid a consignment, you must pay the fine or face a surcharge or enforcement by a Commissioner of Justice.

What's the deadline to challenge?

You have a deadline of 30 days from the date of dispatch of the notice of flat-rate fine increased.

Please note

You can't challenge a flat-rate fine increased (complaint procedure) if you have started to pay it following a payment deadline or obtained a gracious delivery.

How do I make the claim?

You can challenge the Notice of Increased Fine online at theANTAI: titleContent.

See the notice for information on how to proceed.

Lump-sum Notice of Assessment: Designation of another person or online challenge

You must complete the complaint attached to the notice of contravention.

The form explains how to fill it out and what supporting documents are to be attached depending on the reason for your challenge.

Send these documents by letter RAR: titleContent the Public Prosecutor's Office (PMO).

His address is on the notice.

What are the supporting documents to attach?

Supporting documentation will vary depending on the reason for the challenge.

In all cases, attach the Notice of Lump Sum Increased and the Claim Form.

It wasn't your vehicle or it was stolen at the time of the offense

You must be able to provide one of the following:

Receipt of a complaint for theft or destruction of the vehicle
Receipt of complaint for the offense of license plate theft
Copy of the vehicle destruction declaration
Copies of the vehicle transfer declaration and the vehicle registration record in the vehicle registration system (VRS).

You want to designate another driver

You must be able to produce a letter specifying the identity, address and license reference of the person who was presumed to be driving the vehicle when the contravention was discovered.

You're challenging the reality of the offense

You must attach a letter indicating the reasons for your objection.

You must also pay a consignment equal to the amount of the flat-rate fine plus.

The process for paying the deposit is the same as the process for paying the fine.

However, use the consignment card attached to the claim form, not the payment card.

The public prosecutor's office may discontinue any proceedings, may sue you before the police court, or declare your objection inadmissible.

If the prosecution waives all legal proceedings

Your file is filed without further action.

You will receive a letter to inform you.

If you paid a consignment, this email tells you how to request your refund.

If the prosecution takes you to the police court

Three suites can be given.

Either the judge declares you criminally responsible

You must pay a fine that cannot be less than the amount of the fine due, increased by 10 %.

If you paid a consignment, the amount shall be deducted.

The number of points corresponding to the contravention is removed from your driving license.

Depending on the contravention, the judge may order one or more additional penalties. For example, road safety awareness course.

Either the judge declares you financially liable for payment of the fine

The offense was recorded at a distance, without stopping or intercepting the vehicle.

You have not proven the existence of theft of the vehicle or any other force majeure.

You were not identified as the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offense.

Therefore, your criminal responsibility cannot be upheld.

As the holder of the vehicle registration certificate, you must pay the amount of the fine incurred for the offense committed.

If you paid a consignment, its amount shall be deducted from the amount payable.

A declaration of financial responsibility does not lead to the withdrawal of any point(s) on your driving license, is not entered in your criminal record or taken into account for the recurrence.

The judge may order a discharge without any pecuniary sentence

You have proven that you cannot be the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offense.

No criminal or pecuniary liability can therefore be held against you.

If you paid a consignment, a specific form is sent to you to allow you to be reimbursed.

The Public Prosecutor's Office declares your challenge inadmissible

For example, your challenge is declared inadmissible because you did not attach the notice of contravention to the challenge form.

You will receive a letter to inform you.

If you paid a consignment, your deposit amounts to having paid the fine.

If you have not paid a consignment, you must pay the fine or face a surcharge or enforcement by a Commissioner of Justice.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

National Automated Crime Processing Agency (ANTAI)

Highway Code: Articles L121-1 to L121-6
Financial liability for the fine incurred for certain offenses (Article L121-3)
Highway Code: Articles L130-1 to L130-9-2
Investigation and detection of infringements
Highway Code: Articles R121-1 to R121-6
List of offenses entailing financial liability (Article R121-6)
Highway Code: Articles R130-1 to R130-11
Infringements ascertainable by an approved automatic recording equipment
Code of Criminal Procedure: Articles 495-17 to 495-25
Flat-rate fine procedure applicable to certain offenses
Code of Criminal Procedure: Articles 529 to 529-2-1
Flat-rate fine procedure for certain infringements
Code of Criminal Procedure: articles 529-7 to 529-11
Flat-rate fine procedure applicable to certain traffic offenses
Code of Criminal Procedure: Articles 530 to 530-6
Flat-rate fine procedure for certain infringements
Code of Criminal Procedure: Article R48-1 to R49-8
Flat-rate fine procedure for certain infringements
Code of Criminal Procedure: Articles R49-8-5 to R49-20
Flat-rate fine procedure for certain infringements
Internal Security Code: Articles L233-1 to L233-2
Automated control of vehicle identification data
Order of 19 April 2024 establishing a system of aid for the detection of infringements of traffic rules on reserved lanes (ACVR)
Order of 7 July 2023 laying down the procedure for testing the determination of the noise emission levels of vehicles in motion by fixed and mobile automatic control devices
Order of 13 October 2004 establishing the automated control system

Pay your fine online at fines.gouv.fr
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Contravention of the highway code: payment of the fine

Traffic violation: how do you know if you have a fine?

If you are arrested by law enforcement

If the contravention is detected at a distance (radar, video-verb)

Traffic violation: what is the amount of the fine?

Contravention of traffic rules: what is the time limit for paying the fine?

Traffic violation: can the amount of the fine be reduced?

Contravention of the highway code: what increase if you pay late?

Amount of the fine increased

Deadline for paying the increased fine

Can you ask for a discount or a delay to pay an increased fine?

Who shall I contact

Traffic violation: how to pay the fine?

To the law enforcement officer in the event of an arrest

Over the Internet (on your computer or smartphone)

By telephone

Who shall I contact

From a buralist or certified partner

Who shall I contact

To a Public Finance Center

Who shall I contact

By mail (check)

Contravention of the highway code: how to challenge a lump sum fine?

What's the deadline to challenge?

How do I make the request?

Online

By mail

What are the supporting documents to attach?

It wasn't your vehicle or it was stolen at the time of the offense

Another driver was using your vehicle at the time of the offense

You're challenging the reality of the offense

Traffic violation: how to challenge an increased fine?

What's the deadline to challenge?

How do I make the claim?

Online

By mail

What are the supporting documents to attach?

It wasn't your vehicle or it was stolen at the time of the offense

You want to designate another driver

You're challenging the reality of the offense

Who can help me?

Statute and miscellaneous references

Online services and forms

FAQ

Additional topics

ANTAI :

RAR :