Traffic fines France

You obviously do not intend to, but what if you do violate the traffic rules in France? What about the fine?

Fines

France traffic fines in general

• In case of payment within 15 days, the amount of the fine is lower.
• The amounts mentioned are indications and may in practice be higher or lower, depending on the circumstances in which the traffic violation was committed.

France traffic fines – speeding

Roads with a maximum speed of up to 50 km /

• Exceeding up to 20 km / h: from € 135.

Roads with a maximum speed from 50 km / h

• Exceeding up to 20 km / h: from € 68.
• Exceeding 20-50 km / h: from € 135 and a driving disqualification of a maximum of 3 years.
• Exceeding more than 50 km / h: from € 1,500 and a driving disqualification of a maximum of 3 years.

Drive through red light

• From € 135.

Violation of overtaking prohibition

• From € 135.

Cross the crossed line

• From € 135.

Parking violation

• Overrun parking time: from € 17.
• Error parking: from € 35.

Not giving priority

• From € 135.

Driving without seat belt / child restraint

• From € 135.

Use mobile phone while driving

• From € 135.
• Use of ‘earphones’ or headphones (including cyclists): from € 135.

Use and own antiradar

• A maximum of € 1,500 and a driving license for a maximum of 3 years.

Driving under the influence

• From 0.5 ‰ to 0.8 ‰ or 0.25 to 0.40 mg / l: from € 135 and a driving license of a maximum of 3 years (vehicle can be confiscated).
• More than 0.8 ‰ or 0.4 mg / l: maximum of € 4,500, deduction of the driving license for 72 hours (possibly extended to 6 months), a driving disqualification of a maximum of 3 years and / or a prison sentence of maximum 2 years.
• Driving under the influence of drugs: a maximum of € 4,500 and a driving disqualification of a maximum of 3 years and / or a prison sentence of a maximum of 2 years.

Miscellaneous

Driving in an environmental zone without a valid sticker

• € From 68.

Not having and using a safety vest

• From € 135.
• For cyclists: from € 22.

Not having and using a warning triangle

• From € 135.

France traffic fines – penalty settlement

• Violations are divided into 5 categories, ranging from simple violations to very serious ones. For category 1 to 4, the amount of the fine (amend lump sum) has been determined. Violations of the 5th category (serious traffic offenses) are always submitted to the court.
• The French police are authorized to collect fines up to € 750 on the spot.
• If the fine is paid within 14 days, a reduced fine amount is due. If payment is not made within 14 days, the increased fine (amende majorée) must be paid within 45 days. If after that has not yet been paid, the maximum penalty is due.
• Detailed information about French fines (also in many other languages) can be found at antai.gouv.fr. The fine can also be paid via this website and there is information about how to appeal.

France traffic fines – points driver’s license

• France has a penalty point system. Non-resident driving license holders do not receive penalty points and are not registered.

France traffic fines – deposit

• If the fine is not paid immediately, a deposit (caution or consignation) must be paid in the amount of the imposed fine. If the deposit is not paid, the vehicle, the driver’s license or the registration certificate is confiscated until payment has been made.
• A deposit must also be paid if an appeal is lodged against the fine.

France traffic fines – liability

• The driver is liable for offenses committed with the vehicle.
• If the driver is not known, the license holder will receive the fine at home.
• The license holder is obliged to make the identity of the actual driver known, unless he does not know this, for example if the vehicle has been stolen.

France traffic fines – Arrest

• In the event of an arrest, for example after a traffic accident, the embassy can provide information about the administration of justice and further proceedings.

Here you will find more information about France.