Fines
Verified 09 November 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Did you receive a fine during a police check or directly in your mailbox? There is a specific procedure to follow to pay the fine or to challenge it. This procedure varies when the fine has been imposed by a judge following a trial. We present the applicable rules.
Flat-rate fine
Definition
The lump-sum fine is a criminal sanction that is imposed outside of a trial. The decision is made by a police officer, gendarme or authorized public official who finds that infringement.
The penalty is to pay a sum of money to the public purse. The amount of the flat-rate fine shall be determined according to the seriousness of the infringement. Officers do not have the power to adapt it to the situation.
The alleged offender shall receive a notice indicating the following information:
- Nature and circumstances of the infringement
- Amount of the fine
- Time to pay or to contest
If the flat-rate fine is paid within the deadline, the file is closed. In this case, there are no prosecutions, no trials.
Failure to pay the flat-rate fine within the time limit shall result in the increase (increase), unless there has been a challenge within the time limit.
If the increased fine is not paid, there are legal proceedings that can lead to a trial. The trial takes place before the court competent to try the offense (police court, correctional court).
FYI
for road traffic offenses, certain administrative penalties may apply despite payment of the fine. For example, withdrawal or suspension of the driving license or immobilization of the vehicle.
Cases of application and exclusion
The flat-rate fine procedure may be used only for first 4 class tickets and for some offenses currents. These include traffic offenses, which have a special scheme.
The flat-rate fine shall not apply to a person who has committed several offenses at the same time, if one of the offenses is punishable by a penalty other than the flat-rate fine.
It shall also not apply to a person who has committed the same crime more than once contravention, if the law provides that the repetition of that contravention constitutes a offense.
Flat-rate fine for contravention
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
General case
Contravention | Flat-rate fine | Flat-rate fine increased |
|---|---|---|
Pedestrian Offense | €4 | €7 |
1re class | €11 | €33 |
2e class | €35 | €75 |
3e class | €68 | €180 |
4e class | €135 | €375 |
5e class | €200 | €450 |
FYI
the amount of the fine is increased if the payment is made after the period specified in the notice of contravention.
Road traffic fines
Contravention | Flat-rate fine | Lump-sum penalty reduced | Flat-rate fine increased |
|---|---|---|---|
Pedestrian Offense | €4 | No discount | €7 |
1re class | €11 | No discount | €33 |
2e class | €35 | €22 | €75 |
3e class | €68 | €45 | €180 |
4e class | €135 | €90 | €375 |
5e class | €200 | No discount | €450 |
Please note
parking fines are subject to other rules.
Flat-rate fine for misdemeanor
The amount of the fine imposed by way of tort or delict shall be determined according to the seriousness of the offense.
It can't go beyond €3,000.
Offense | Flat-rate fine | Lump-sum penalty reduced | Flat-rate fine increased |
|---|---|---|---|
Driving without insurance | €500 | €400 | €1000 |
Driving without a license | €800 | €640 | €1,600 |
Cumulation of fines
Where a person commits several offenses punishable by flat-rate fines at the same time, the fines laid down for the various offenses are added up. For example, if during the same check, the police notice a non-use of the belt and the use of the telephone while driving.
Where a person commits offenses punishable by flat-rate fines and offenses punishable by non-flat-rate fines at the same time, the case must be tried. The competent court shall be the one which has the power to try the most serious offense. The fines for the various offenses add up.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Contravention of traffic regulations
The flat-rate fine must be paid within 45 days of the date of dispatch of the notice (60 days in the case of payment by tele-procedure).
If payment is made within 15 days (30 days in the case of payment by tele-procedure), the amount of the fine is underrated.
If payment is not made within 45 days (60 days in the case of payment by tele-procedure), the amount of the fine is increased.
In the event of non-payment of the increased flat-rate fine, the public treasury may initiate a procedure to forced recovery.
You can ask to pay the amount of the increased lump sum fine in installments.
The application must be sent to the Public Treasury Accountant whose contact information is indicated on the Notice of Assessment of Monetary Penalty.
Other object
The flat-rate fine must be paid within 45 days of the date of dispatch of the notice (60 days in the case of payment by tele-procedure).
If payment is not made within 45 days (60 days in the case of payment by tele-procedure), the amount of the fine is increased.
In the event of non-payment of the increased flat-rate fine, the public treasury may initiate a procedure to forced recovery.
You can ask to pay the amount of the increased lump sum fine in installments.
The application must be sent to the Public Treasury Accountant whose contact information is indicated on the Notice of Assessment of Monetary Penalty.
Flat-rate fine for contravention
Several payment methods are possible.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
By remote payment
If the remote payment reference appears on the payment card, you can pay the lump sum fine for contravention remotely downgraded.
Remote payment can be made via the internet, on a computer or on a smartphone after downloading the “Fines.gouv” app on Google Play or App Store, or by phone.
Pay your fine online at fines.gouv.fr
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
By dematerialized stamp
The flat-rate fine for a reduced contravention may also be paid by dematerialized stamp, available from certain licensed tobacco dealers electronic payment of fines.
You must present the payment stub to the tobacco dealer and pay the amount of the fine. In return, he issues you a proof of payment.
Warning
payment by paperless stamp is not possible for the increased flat-rate fine.
By mail
The lump sum penalty for a reduced contravention may be paid by check. The check must be made payable to the Treasury (or to the Directorate-General for Public Finance, as indicated on the payment card). It must be accompanied by the payment card.
From a buralist or certified partner
You can pay by credit card or cash (up to €3,000) with a buralist or an authorized 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
In a public finance center
The lump sum fine for a reduced contravention can also be paid at the counter of a public finance center, in cash, by check or by bank card.
Cash payment is limited to €300.
Who shall I contact
Flat-rate fine for misdemeanor
Several payment methods are possible.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
To the officer who finds the offense
It is possible to pay the lump sum fine for misdemeanor directly to the enforcement officer.
In this case, the amount of the fine is minus.
If you pay immediately minus the lump sum fine in the hands of the enforcement officer at the time of the finding of the infringement, only the lump sum notice will be sent to you.
The notice of violation given to you by the enforcement officer contains the following information:
- Verbalizer Service
- Nature, place and date of the offense
- References to the texts punishing this offense
- Identity of the offender
- Vehicle identification and driver identity (if the offense is committed while driving a vehicle)
- Amount of the flat-rate fine reduced with the words ‘fine paid’
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.
By remote payment
If the remote payment reference appears on the payment card, you can pay the fine in tort at a distance.
Remote payment can be made via the internet, on a computer or on a smartphone after downloading the “Fines.gouv” app on Google Play or App Store, or by phone.
Pay your fine online at fines.gouv.fr
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
The flat-rate fine shall be reduced if you pay within 15 days that follow the finding of the infringement, if the infringement notice is given to you on the spot.
When the notice of violation is sent to you later, the lump sum penalty is reduced if you pay within 15 days of this sending.
By mail
The fine may also be paid by check made payable to the Treasury (or to the Directorate-General for Public Finance, as indicated on the payment card).
Attach the payment card to the check.
The flat-rate fine shall be reduced if you pay within 15 days that follow the finding of the infringement, if the infringement notice is given to you on the spot.
When the notice of violation is sent to you later, the lump sum penalty is reduced if you pay within 15 days of this sending.
From a buralist or certified partner
You can pay by credit card or cash (up to €3,000) with a buralist or an authorized 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
The flat-rate fine shall be reduced if you pay within 15 days that follow the finding of the infringement, if the infringement notice is given to you on the spot.
When the notice of violation is sent to you later, the lump sum penalty is reduced if you pay within 15 days of this sending.
In a public finance center
The fine in tort may be paid at the counter of a public finance center, in cash, by check or by credit card. But the cash payment is limited to €300.
Who shall I contact
The flat-rate fine shall be reduced if you pay within 15 days that follow the finding of the infringement, if the infringement notice is given to you on the spot.
When the notice of violation is sent to you later, the lump sum penalty is reduced if you pay within 15 days of this sending.
Challenge to the lump sum penalty for contravention
Deadlines
To challenge the lump sum penalty for contravention, you must take action within the following time limits:
- Flat-rate fine: 45 days from the date the notice of contravention is sent
- Flat-rate fine plus: 30 days from the date of dispatch of the notice of increased flat-rate fine.
Procedure
The lump-sum fine shall be contested by an application for exemption and the increased lump-sum fine shall be contested by a complaint.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Online
The challenge can be made directly online on the website of the National Automated Crime Processing Agency (ANTAI).
Lump-sum Notice of Assessment: Designation of another person or online challenge
By mail
You must complete the form attached to the notice you received:
- Application for exemption in the event of a notice of contravention
- Claim form in case of increased flat-rate fine.
Follow the instructions on the form to fill it out and find out what documents to attach (notice received, free paper letter stating the reasons for your challenge, etc.).
Documents must be sent by letter RAR: titleContent the Public Prosecutor's Office (PMO). His address is on the notice.
No logging
Except in exceptional circumstances, you do not have to pay a deposit in order to challenge the reality of the offense.
Treatment of the challenge
The officer of the public prosecutor's office examine the file and inform you of its decision.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
The offense has not been established
If the prosecution officer feels there is not enough evidence of the offense, he closes the case.
If you have had to pay a deposit, it will be automatically refunded.
You can also apply for a refund from the Treasury Board, whose contact information appears on the notice of contravention. The request must be sent in writing and a copy of the decision to file must be attached.
The offense is established
If the prosecution officer considers that the offense is sufficiently established, the fine is then increased.
Challenge to the lump sum fine for misdemeanor
Deadlines
To challenge the lump sum fine for misdemeanor, you must act within the following time limits:
- Flat-rate fine: 45 days from the date the notice of contravention is sent
- Flat-rate fine plus: 30 days from the date of dispatch of the notice of increased flat-rate fine.
Procedure
The procedure is not the same for the fine imposed by tort or delict and for the fine imposed by tort or delict.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Lump sum fine for tort (not increased)
To challenge the fine in tort, you must send a request for exemption to the service indicated in the notice of violation.
If it is the National Automated Crime Processing Agency (ANTAI), you can make the challenge online.
Lump-sum Notice of Assessment: Designation of another person or online challenge
You can attach a scanned copy (PDF, JPG or ZIP format) of the Notice of Contravention or Exemption Request Form. However, this piece is not mandatory to do the procedure.
The challenge can also be made in writing. You must complete the request for exemption form and add a letter indicating the reasons for your challenge and the evidence you have.
Documents must be sent by letter RAR: titleContent the Public Prosecutor's Office (PMO). His address is on the notice.
Lump sum fine plus fine in tort
To challenge the increased lump sum fine, you must send a reasoned written complaint to the public prosecutor's office.
The complaint form attached to the notice of assessment must be completed and accompanied by a letter stating the reasons for your objection. Don't forget to add the evidence you have.
Who shall I contact
Logging Required
You must pay a consignment equivalent to the amount of the fine to be able to challenge the infringement. The amount of the deposit will be refunded if the case is closed or if you are released by the court.
You can apply for a refund from the Treasury Board, whose contact information appears on the notice of contravention. The request must be sent in writing and a copy of the decision to file must be attached.
Treatment of the challenge
The challenge is examined by the public prosecutor, who informs you of his decision.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
The motion is not admissible
The Public Prosecutor may declare that your complaint is inadmissible because it is not substantiated or because you did not use the form attached to the notice of fine.
You can challenge the prosecutor's decision before the president of the correctional court or a judge appointed by the president of the judicial court. The decision of the public prosecutor specifies the judge competent to examine your appeal.
The application is admissible
No follow-up ranking
The public prosecutor may dismiss the case if he or she believes there is insufficient evidence of the offense, or that it is not appropriate to proceed to trial.
Legal proceedings
If the public prosecutor considers that the offense is sufficiently established, he can decide to bring you before the correctional court. It is this court that has jurisdiction to try the offenses. You may be acquitted or convicted by the court at the end of the trial.
In the event of conviction, the initial fine is then increased by 10%.
FYI
the court may decide in rare cases not to impose a fine or to impose a fine of less than the legal minimum.
You may receive a Notice of Lump Sum Fine or be subject to a bank seizure when you have never received a Notice of Lump Sum Fine. In both cases, you can challenge.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
You received a Notice of Lump Sum Monetary Penalty with an Increase
To challenge the increased lump sum penalty, you must send a written and reasoned complaint to the public prosecutor's office with a copy of the Notice of Lump Sum Fine plus.
Who shall I contact
The challenge must be made within 30 days after the notice of the increased fine has been sent.
You did not receive the Notice of Lump Sum Fine Plus
To challenge the bank seizure, you must first challenge the increased lump sum fine, even if you have not received it.
Indeed, the bank seizure is made by the public treasury on the basis of an enforceable document issued by the public prosecutor's office, when it finds that the fine or the increased flat-rate fine is not paid within the time limit.
Cancelation of the increased flat-rate fine will result in the cancelation of the enforceable title.
The flat-rate fine plus the fine shall be contested by means of a written and reasoned request sent to the officer of the public prosecutor's office.
Who shall I contact
You can request a copy of the increased lump sum fine from the public treasury.
The time limit for appealing is 30 days from the date of dispatch of the notice of increased fine.
You may appeal beyond this period, specifying that you have not received the notice of increased lump sum fine.
There is a limit, however, when it comes to a fine that is related to the highway code.
In this case, the complaint shall no longer be admissible 3 months after the notice of fine plus a registered letter has been sent to the address shown on the vehicle's registration certificate.
This rule does not apply if you have declared your change of address to the vehicle registration authority before the expiry of the three-month period following the sending of the notice of increased fine.
Other
The non-lump-sum fine may be imposed by the court which judges the offender infringement (police court, correctional court, criminal court, etc.). The court has discretion and takes into account the nature of the facts, the circumstances in which they were committed and the personality of the perpetrator. Where the court decides to impose a fine, it may attach a reprieve.
The situation is not the same in the case of a single infringement and in the case of multiple infringements.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Single Offense
The court which judges the offender shall be free to fix the amount of the fine, without exceeding the maximum amount provided for the offense.
Multiple Offenses
Where a person is tried in the same trial for one or more contraventions and offenses and/or crimes, the fines for the various infringements are cumulative.
For example, a person may be fined €5,250 in total for the following 2 infringements:
- Contravention for a speeding punishable by a fine of €750 maximum,
- Offense of alcohol driving with a fine of €4,500 maximum
On the other hand, there is no double dipping if a person is tried for several offenses that are only crimes or offenses. The maximum fine that can be imposed by the court is the fine incurred for the most serious offense.
For example, a person could be fined a maximum of €45,000 for the following two offenses:
- Assault and injury punished by €45,000 maximum fine,
- Phone Harassment punished by €15,000 maximum fine
FYI
the fact of being sentenced several times in succession to the payment of a fine for identical or similar offenses may make the offender recurrence. But that's not the case if the 1era The conviction is for a lump-sum fine.
The methods of payment of the non-lump sum fine shall be indicated in the judgment sentencing the offender. As a general rule, the fine must be paid from a public finance center whose contact details are mentioned in the decision.
If the fine is paid within one month of the final court decision, a 20% reduction is granted. This reduction may not exceed €1,500.
If the fine is not paid within one month, the convicted person receives a command to pay. The public treasury can grant longer deadlines.
In the event of non-compliance with payment deadlines, the public treasury may seize the assets.
If the fine to be paid is more than €2,000, a judicial constraint can be set up. The Public Treasury refers the case to the prosecutor, who in turn refers the case to the sentencing judge (Jap). Imprisonment The Jap can then impose a sentence of death, the duration of which varies according to the amount of the fine.
The public treasury may also demand payment of the fine from the accomplices of the person concerned.
A fine imposed by a criminal court may be subject to a call.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
Get help with paying a lump sum fine
National Automated Crime Processing Agency (ANTAI)
Amount of fines
Cumulation of fines (crimes and offenses)
Cumulation of fines (contraventions)
Time limits for payment of a non-standard fine
Judicial constraint
Flat-rate fine
Flat-rate fine procedure
Flat-rate fine
Application of the flat-rate fine to certain road traffic offenses
Online service
Service-Public.fr
Service-Public.fr
Service-Public.fr