Description:

Speeding fines in France

One of M Sarkozy’s election pledges was to reduce the high number of road deaths and accidents in France.  The main deterrent being used is speed enforcement and whether you are just visiting or a resident, you can still be fined if caught.  

Visiting on foreign number plates:

Caught by the police or gendarmerie:

• Less than 50 km/h over the speed limit, you will be given an on the spot fine to be paid immediately.
• More than 50 km/h over the speed limit, on the spot fine, licence confiscated and possibly your vehicle impounded.

Caught by a speed camera:

• At the moment, you are unlikely to have to pay the fine.

Resident:

Caught by the police or gendarmerie:

• Less than 50 km/h over the speed limit, you will be given an on the spot fine to be paid immediately and points lost if you hold a French licence.
• More than 50 km/h over the speed limit, on the spot fine, licence confiscated and possibly your vehicle impounded and points lost if you hold a French licence.

Caught by a speed camera:

• A fine or court summons will be sent to your French address with deadlines for payment (see below).

Levels of fines

Speeding by less than 20 km/h (12 mph)

• Fine: 68€ - reduced to 45€ if paid within fifteen days and increased to 180€ if paid after forty five days.  Maximum fine is 450€ if taken to court.
• Licence points lost: 1

If you are in an area where the limit is less than 50 km/h (31 mph)

• Fine: 135€*
• Licence points lost: 1

Speeding between 20 and 30 km/h (12 to 10 mph)

• Fine: 135€*
• Licence points lost: 2

Speeding between 30 and 40 km/h (19 to 25 mph)

• Fine: 135€*
• Licence points lost: 3
• Licence suspension: Up to three years

Speeding between 40 and 50 km/h (25 to 31 mph)

• Fine:135€*
• Licence points lost: 4
• Licence suspension: Up to three years

Speeding by more than 50 km/h (31 mph)

• Fine: 1500€
• Licence points lost: 6
• Licence suspension: Up to three years

Second offence of speeding by more than 50 km/h

• Jail: Up to three months
• Fine: 3750€
• Licence points lost: 6
• Licence suspension: Up to three years

*If the fine is paid within fifteen days, it is reduced to 90€.  If paid after forty five days, it is 375€.  If the case goes to court, the maximum fine allowed is 750€.

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