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
![](https://www.service-public.fr/resources/v-9b0ccf39c4/assets/img/default-info.png)
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 SNCF: titleContent :
Refer online to the SNCF Ombudsman
If it's the RATP: titleContent :
Contact the RATP Ombudsman online
Time limits for payment of the fine
Online service
Online service
Service-Public.fr
National Institute of Consumer Affairs (INC)