Can a ticket (a fine) received on public transport be challenged?
Verified 05 March 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
You can challenge a fine in transport (bus, metro, train...) if you consider that the non-presentation of your ticket was without intent to defraud. For example, you could not compost your ticket because the composting kiosks were not working.
You have 3 months to file a complaint with the carrier customer service by registered letter with a notice of receipt (its address appears on your fine).
You can use a template letter to write your mail:
Challenging a report on public transport (mail model)
National Institute of Consumer Affairs (INC)
Pour en savoir plus

If you are not satisfied with the answer or if you do not get an answer within 1 month, you can appeal to the company mediator.
For example, if it's the SNCFSNCF : Business nationale des chemins de fer français :
Refer online to the SNCF Ombudsman
If it's the RATPRATP : Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens :
Time limits for payment of the fine
Online service
Online service
Service-Public.fr
National Institute of Consumer Affairs (INC)