Contesting French speeding fines is a nightmare

To the Editor,

I read, with interest, your recent article on contesting speeding fines. My own experience was not so straightforward.

In November 2023, I was driving on a motorway in Bouches-du-Rhône and received a fine a few days later. It declared I was driving at 110km/h in a 90km/h limit. 

The “retained” speed was 99km/h, a 10% margin indicating that the radar was mobile. The limit on this section of motorway was, in fact, 110km/h.

I contested the offence online and had to pay €68 deposit. Within days, a letter informed me that my case had been passed to the Tribunal de Police in Aix-en-Provence. 

Hearing nothing during the next two months, I wrote to the Tribunal, with photos of the speed limit signs and the Météo France weather report for the day. 

At the exact point where my speed was recorded, there was a motorway exit with the approach limited to 90km/h for exiting vehicles. I believed the radar vehicle had automatically read that sign, so I also sent the telemetry record of my journey to prove I had remained on the motorway. 

After a month, my objection was rejected. I elected to continue and in April 2024 was instructed to visit a bailiff (huissier) to collect my court summons. I used my legal protection with my car insurance to take on a lawyer.

The hearing took place in October 2024, where the prosecutor admitted the state had made an error! I had to wait another six weeks for the verdict to be published.

It was not easy finding out how to get the €68 deposit returned. Eventually I discovered I had to write to the payment centre in Rennes with a copy of the court verdict. Here I am, in September 2025 still awaiting the repayment. 

Oh, and due to a misstep by the lawyer, my compensation requested from the court was denied! Contest by all means, but be prepared for a lengthy wait.

K.D., by email

Do you have any ever contested a speeding fine in France? What was your experience? Share it with us at letters@connexionfrance.com