Contesting a French fine: deadlines, deposit, naming the driver
Three cases: you were not driving, you dispute the facts, or the notice is already increased. The tool gives the deadline and the amount to deposit.
A French penalty notice can be contested within forty-five days of being sent, according to the Service Public page on fixed fines, online on the ANTAI website or by registered post to the address on the notice. There are three situations. If you were not the driver, you name the person who was, with their identity, address and licence reference: no deposit is required, and a new notice is sent to them. If you dispute the facts themselves, you must pay a deposit (consignation) equal to the standard fine, €135 for class 4, €68 for class 3; it is refunded if the case is dropped or you are acquitted, and paying it takes no points. If the notice is already increased, the deadline is 30 days, or 3 months after a registered letter, and the deposit equals the increased fine. Paying the fine, even just to be done with it, counts as admitting the offence and rules out any challenge.
Due today: reduced fine
€90
until 2 November 2026 inclusive, 10 days left
| Reduced until | 2 November 2026 · €90 |
| Standard until | 2 December 2026 · €135 |
| Contest until | 17 November 2026 |
| Deposit to contest | €135 |
| After that: increased | €375 |
| Increased, paid within 45 days of its notice | €300 |
An unpaid pay-and-display charge (forfait post-stationnement, FPS) is not a fine and follows other rules: it is contested with the town.
Checked by Radif Partners · Editorial policy · Method and sources
The three routes
| Situation | Deadline | Deposit | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| I was not driving | 45 days | none | taken from the named driver |
| I dispute the facts | 45 days | €135 (class 4) | none until judged |
| Notice already increased | 30 days (3 months if registered) | €375 (class 4) | none until judged |
The ANTAI website lets you name the driver, contest and request the photo online. The Service Public page lists the documents to attach.
Can I still contest?
Days left to contest
15
| Total time | 45 days |
| Deposit to pay | €135 |
| Naming the driver | no deposit |
What makes a challenge admissible
The request must give reasons, be signed, include the original notice and, except when naming the driver, proof of the deposit. A challenge that only says the camera margin was not applied fails: it always is, and the notice shows both the measured and the recorded speed (see the margin of error). Grounds that hold are concrete: vehicle sold or stolen before the date, cloned plates, a driver visible on the photo who is not the keeper.
If you paid by mistake
Payment ends the case: the offence is admitted and points are taken. Naming another driver is only possible if you have not paid. Before paying anything, check who was driving.