In brief

• You have received a notice of violation for an infraction of the traffic code.
• The amount of the fine depends on the class of the violation (from 1st to 5th class).
• It is possible to pay or contest the fine according to specific procedures.
• Violations can be observed by law enforcement, by radar, or by video-verbalization.

Who can take action

Any individual who has received a notice of violation for a traffic code infraction, whether due to a stop by law enforcement, an observation from a distance by radar, or video-verbalization.

Steps

1. Receive the notice of violation

The procedure varies depending on how the infraction was observed:

Stop by law enforcement: Law enforcement observes the violation and establishes a report, usually electronic (PVe).

• If you provided your email address to the officer, you will receive an email with a notice of violation indicating the amount of the fine and a payment notice.
• Otherwise, these documents are sent to the address indicated on the vehicle's registration certificate (carte grise).
• Direct delivery of documents is possible but this system is becoming obsolete.

Observation from a distance (radar or video-verbalization): A notice of violation indicating the amount of the fine and a payment notice are sent to the address indicated on the vehicle's registration certificate (carte grise).

2. Know the amount of the fine

The amount of the fixed fine varies according to the severity of the violation, classified into 5 categories:

You must pay a fixed fine if you have committed a violation of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th class, as well as certain violations of 5th class.

3. Contest the fine

To contest a fine without wasting time or risking an increase, it is crucial to follow the deadlines and official channels. Although the source text provides details on receipt and amount, the exact contestation procedure (form, specific deadline) should be consulted via the official sheet mentioned below to ensure the validity of the action.

Violations observable by radar

The following violations can be observed by an approved automatic control device (fixed or mobile radar):

• Failure to comply with signals requiring vehicles to stop (red light, stop…)
• Failure to comply with maximum speed limits.

Other violations will be observable by radar once the devices are approved:

• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Using a handheld mobile phone
• Using reserved lanes and roads (buses, taxis…)
• Driving, stopping, and parking on emergency stopping lanes
• Not respecting safety distances between vehicles
• Crossing and overtaking continuous lines
• Driving in the wrong direction
• U-turn or reversing on a highway
• Not respecting certain overtaking rules
• Entering an intersection that may obstruct the passage of a vehicle on the other lane
• Not wearing a helmet on a motorized two-wheeler
• Not respecting noise emission levels in an urban area (max speed ≤ 50 km/h)
• Not respecting weight limit rules
• Driving on the left side of a two-way road

Violations observable by video-verbalization

The following violations can be observed by video-verbalization:

• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Using a handheld mobile phone
• Holding any device capable of emitting sound to the ear (except hearing aids)
• Using reserved lanes and roads (public transport, taxis, carpooling, low-emission vehicles)
• Using green lanes and pedestrian areas (except authorized perimeters)
• Not respecting local provisions prohibiting access to certain roads (e.g., heavy goods vehicles)
• Driving, stopping, and parking on emergency stopping lanes
• Not respecting safety distances
• Crossing and overtaking continuous lines
• Driving in the wrong direction
• U-turn or reversing on a highway
• Not respecting signals requiring vehicles to stop (red light, stop…)
• Not respecting maximum speed limits
• Not respecting certain overtaking rules
• Entering an intersection that obstructs passage
• Yielding to pedestrians
• Violations at level crossings
• Not respecting local provisions for bridge crossings (e.g., heavy goods vehicles)
• Not wearing a helmet on a motorized two-wheeler
• Not respecting license plate regulations
• Not respecting noise emission levels (ongoing experimentation)
• Not respecting weight limit rules (ongoing experimentation)
• Driving on the left side of a two-way road
• Not respecting traffic rules in inter-file (2 or 3-wheeled motor vehicles)

Necessary documents

• Notice of violation
• Payment notice
• Registration certificate (carte grise) of the concerned vehicle

Cost

The cost of the fine is set according to the class of the violation:

• €11 for 1st class
• €35 for 2nd class
• €68 for 3rd class
• €135 for 4th class
• €200 for 5th class

Deadlines

This information varies depending on the situation and the specific contestation procedure initiated. It is imperative to consult the indications on the notice of violation received.

Traps to avoid

• Ignoring the notice of violation sent to the address on the carte grise.
• Confusing violations observable by radar and those observable by video-verbalization.
• Not checking the class of the violation to know the exact amount.
• Forgetting that the vehicle may be immobilized or towed depending on the severity of the violation.

Official source

Data extracted from the sheet Fixed fine in case of violation of the traffic code on service-public.fr, verified on January 11, 2025.