
Speeding fine, for speeding by more than 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Fine: 1500 euros
- Licence points loss: 6 points
- Licence suspension: 3 years
What happens if you get a speeding ticket in France on holiday?
But when you are travelling there on holiday, you should be aware that different rules apply in different countries and the fines can vary as well. France is often the country that’s easiest to get to by car from the UK and French speeding fines can be steep. If you get a speeding ticket in France, it’s good to know what you could be paying.
What happens if you get a speeding fine in Europe?
If you get a speeding fine in Europe, you usually have up to 60 days to appeal, if you feel there are grounds to why you shouldn’t have been fined. In France, Spain, Italy and Germany, there is currently no system in place to implement points on a UK licence when found to be speeding.
What happens if you get a speeding ticket on your licence?
Common driving offences such as speeding or parking tickets typically result in a fine and points on your licence. These may be issued on the spot by a police officer or traffic warden, or an ‘avis de contravention’ will be sent to you via post (in the case of the offence being picked up by a speed camera).
How much is a €68 speed fine in France?
A €68 speed fine in France may be lowered to €45 if paid within 15 days. In France, it’s also illegal to use devices that track and map the location of speed cameras. If you are discovered to be using one, you risk being fined €1,500 and your device will likely be confiscated.
What happens if you get caught speeding in France?
What if you were not the driver?
What is Cross Border Enforcement?
Is speeding worse in France?
Does the EU charge fines?
Do UK drivers drive like the lights have gone out?
Can you be fined for flying a car in the UK?
See 2 more

What happens if you get a speed ticket in France?
Common driving offences such as speeding or parking tickets typically result in a fine and points on your licence. These may be issued on the spot by a police officer or traffic warden, or an 'avis de contravention' will be sent to you via post (in the case of the offence being picked up by a speed camera).
What happens if you ignore a French speeding fine?
You could ignore any fines, but you run the risk of an increased fine and travel difficulties if you try to return to the country.
Does speeding in France points on UK license?
If you're reading this because you're certain you got flashed by a speed camera whilst cruising in France, don't worry - you won't receive points on your UK license (unless you have a French license), however, you will still have to pay a fine.
How strict are speed limits in France?
If the total weight is under 3.5t, then there is no difference to that of a normal car. However, if the total weight is over the threshold, then motorway driving is limited to 90 kph....What are the speed limits in France?Road TypeSpeed LmitMain roads outside built up areas/A & B roads80 kph / 50 mph3 more rows•Apr 4, 2022
What happens if I get caught by a speed camera in France?
If you're caught speeding in France, either a speed camera or the Gendarmerie will register your offence. After being pulled over by the Gendarmerie, you'll be handed a fine and you'll have to pay that fine on-the-spot.
Do French speed cameras flash?
Camera operators also use an infrared flash, not visible to motorists, making them harder to notice. They do, however, offer more leniency than usual fixed speed cameras, allowing a margin of 10km/h over speed limits in areas where the limit is below 100km/h, and a 10% margin where speed limits are over 100km/h.
Can French speeding fines be enforced in UK 2022?
No. The level of fine will be the same amount that a registered owner of that country would receive. This means, depending on where the offence was committed, it could be more, or less, than a fine you would receive in the UK.
Are EU speeding fines enforceable in UK?
UK's departure from the European Union puts an end to cross-border directive, leaving EU countries unable to enforce speeding penalties for drivers caught on speed cameras.
How many points do you have on a French license?
12 pointsThe French driver's licence is based on a point system starting with 12 points. New drivers, however, only have six points. If they don't commit a traffic violation, they get two more points every year and will reach 12 points after three years. If you commit a traffic violation you may lose points.
How much are speeding tickets in France?
Explanation about the different prices you have to pay: - When the speeding fine is 68 euros, it gets reduced to 45 euros if you pay it within 15 days. And raised to 180 euros if you have not paid within 45 days. The maximum possible being 450 euros if you never pay and it goes to a judge (judge discretion up to 450€).
Are there any speed cameras in France?
There are well over two thousand stationary speed cameras on France's roads and motorways – not a lot by some country's standards but new cameras are being set up all the time.
Are there average speed cameras in France?
Average speed cameras were first installed in France in June 2012. It was the eighth EU country to install them. By the end of that year, there were more than 100 installed along the sides of motorways and major roads. Average speed cameras do not flash.
Can French speeding fines be enforced in UK 2022?
No. The level of fine will be the same amount that a registered owner of that country would receive. This means, depending on where the offence was committed, it could be more, or less, than a fine you would receive in the UK.
How many points do you have on a French driving Licence?
12 pointsThe French driver's licence is based on a point system starting with 12 points. New drivers, however, only have six points. If they don't commit a traffic violation, they get two more points every year and will reach 12 points after three years. If you commit a traffic violation you may lose points.
Does France have speed cameras?
There are well over two thousand stationary speed cameras on France's roads and motorways – not a lot by some country's standards but new cameras are being set up all the time.
How do I pay a speeding ticket in France?
You can pay by buying in France a number of "timbre amende" (stamp purchased to certify payment of a fine) and stick them to the fine which has to be sent back, or you can pay by check payable to the french treasury (trésor public) , by phone (0820 11 10 10 - 0.12 euros TTC per minute) or via internet on www.amendes. ...
Speed camera flashed me in France - what now?
Just wait and see. I got flashed by one a couple of years ago at around 15-20kph above the limit on an Autoroute. Never heard a thing. I’d probably have paid if they’d sent a fine.
How to Pay a Parking or Speeding Fine in France: Payer Une Amende
If you’ve been caught out by a speed camera in France, you will be sent a speeding ticket or ‘Avis de Contravention’. For parking fines, the ‘Avis de Contravention’ may be either issued directly on your vehicle or sent to your address – a similar notice will be sent out in the case of any other traffic violation that has been caught on camera or by police.
Speeding Ticket...should I pay it? - Rick Steves Travel Forum
So I got my picture taken by one of the many speed cameras in France. Hertz then gave the French DMV my name and address and then tracked me down. By the time I got the ticket, the payment options had escalated to the most expensive rate...180E. I'm wondering if I should even bother paying the...
Speeding ticket from France - France Message Board - Tripadvisor
Answer 1 of 102: I have received two speeding fines from France today, Thursday 14th March 2019. They are dated 4th September and 29th September 2018, so it is now more than 5 months on from when these incidents happened. I believe that a ticket from anywhere...
French Driving Offences
In France, all drivers – including foreign drivers and rental car drivers – must adhere to the French ‘ Code de la Route ’. Many of these laws are common sense and will likely be similar to those in place in your own country.
What happens if you commit a driving offence in France?
Violation of any of these rules can result in a fine, points on your licence, impounding of your vehicle, and/or prosecution, depending on the severity of the offence.
Penalties and Points for French Driving Offences
The penalties for each class of driving offence will depend on the classification level and the type of offence. Typically, all offences will result in a fine and the deduction of points from your licence.
Driving in France
Whether you own a car in France, travel to France in your UK or EU-registered car, or hire a rental car – FrenchEntrée has all the need-to-know info about driving in France. Our Essential Reading articles will take you through buying, registering, and insuring your car, as well as offering tips and advice on driving and car ownership in France.
How long does it take to pay a speeding fine in France?
When you’re caught on a speeding camera, the French authorities will post you your fine within 100 days. The longer you wait to pay your fine, the more it will cost you.
What happens if you speed in France?
If you’re caught speeding in France, either a speed camera or the Gendarmerie will register your offence. After being pulled over by the Gendarmerie, you’ll be handed a fine and you’ll have to pay that fine on-the-spot. If you’re caught speeding in France by an extreme amount, the Gendarmerie could confiscate your license ...
What is the National Speed Limit France?
The national speed limit in France uses the metric system, which is different to the UK. The speed limit is listed in kilometres rather than miles, so British drivers need to be extra vigilant during a French road trip.
What is the purpose of speed cameras in France?
Speed cameras and the Gendarmerie monitor traffic to ensure the speed limit on France’s motorway is being followed. Speed cameras are not often obvious to drivers, and the Gendarmerie may patrol motorways in unmarked vehicles.
How fast can you drive a car in France?
If you’re driving a car and towing a caravan that’s heavier than your car, you need to pay extra attention to the national speed limit in France: 65 kph (40 mph) if the excess weight is less than 30%. 45 kph (28 mph) if the excess weight is more than 30%. Many foreign drivers don’t realise that the national speed limit in France lowers ...
What do you need to know about speeding in France?
Everything You Need to Know About Speeding in France. If you’re planning a French road trip, it’s vital that you know the national speed limit in France and what to expect if you’re caught speeding. Adhering to the national speed limit in France will help you to stay safe on the road, protect yourself and others, and avoid heavy penalties. ...
Why are speed limits changed in France?
These changes in speed limit are in place to improve road safety in France, so be sure to follow them closely when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
What Happens If You Get a Parking or Speeding Fine in France?
If you’ve been caught out by a speed camera in France, you will be sent a speeding ticket or ‘Avis de Contravention’.
Understanding a French Avis de Contravention
The above is a standard speeding ticket or ‘Avis de Contravention’. In the top left corner, the ‘Numéro de l’avis de contravention’ – the ticket number, which you will need to type in when you pay your payment.
Contesting a Speeding Ticket or Fine
If you wish to contest the speeding ticket – for example, it wasn’t you driving the vehicle at the time the offence was committed – you can also do this online on the site antai.gouv.fr. The site is also available in English and will talk you through all the information you need.
Driving in France
Whether you own a car in France, travel to France in your UK or EU-registered car, or hire a rental car – FrenchEntrée has all the need-to-know info about driving in France. Our Essential Reading articles will take you through buying, registering, and insuring your car, as well as offering tips and advice on driving and car ownership in France.
Why are UK drivers flashed in France?
Since the UK left the EU, drivers in France on UK plates who are flashed for speeding escape fines and penalties, as there is no longer a reciprocal agreement between the two countries.
Is a licence suspension automatic?
Although the penalties sometimes look severe, the licence suspensions and prison suspensions shown are the maximum that a judge can decide. By contrast, all minor offence fines are automatic. Those resident in France from within the EU who commit an offence that would otherwise result in:
What happens if you follow other cars at the same speed?
If you were following the other cars at the same speed. They probably got fined as well.
Do tourists get targeted in France?
Of course tourists are not targeted. In France the speed limits in towns and villages begin as soon as you pass the town sign. As already mentioned a lot of radar or speed cameras are automatic, so all those other people you were keeping up with probably got a ticket as well.
Is it advisable to be stopped by a police patrol?
Being stopped by a Police patrol is not something that is advisable.
How much is a speeding fine in France?
The standard speeding fine in France is 135 euros. However, if you pay this within 15 days it’s 90 euros. If you pay it after 45 days, it is 375 euros. If the offence warrants a trial, the maximum fine can be up to 750 euros. If police stop you, you'll be required to pay the fine on the spot.
What happens if you don't pay a speeding ticket in the UK?
As in the UK, if you don’t pay a speeding ticket, you’ll be penalised. The longer you leave it, the higher the penalties become. Failure to pay after a reasonable amount of time will ultimately lead to a trial. UK drivers can also be banned or even jailed in the UK for speeding offences committed abroad.
What to do if you get a speeding ticket while abroad?
The best thing you can do if you get a speeding ticket while you’re abroad is to pay it as soon as you receive the fine rather than ignoring it. Fines can double if you choose to ignore them and a local debt collection agency may be used to recoup the money.
How long does it take to appeal a speeding ticket in Italy?
The time between the offence and when you receive the punishment varies from country to country and can be up to 360 days after the offence, as is the case with Italy. If you get a speeding fine in Europe, you usually have up to 60 days to appeal, if you feel there are grounds to why you shouldn’t have been fined.
What happens if you are stopped by police?
If police stop you, you'll be required to pay the fine on the spot.
Which country is the easiest to get to by car from the UK?
France is often the country that’s easiest to get to by car from the UK and French speeding fines can be steep. If you get a speeding ticket in France, it’s good to know what you could be paying. The last thing you need is to make a dent in your holiday money.
Is speeding a fine in the UK?
The most common fine in the UK for driving offences is speeding. The same is true in Europe. But when you are travelling there on holiday, you should be aware that different rules apply in different countries and the fines can vary as well. France is often the country that’s easiest to get to by car from the UK and French speeding fines can be ...
What happens if you get caught speeding in France?
So the answer to the question "what happens if I get caught speeding in France" is; if you go through a fixed speed camera in France then the French police will not start sending fines in ...
What if you were not the driver?
The fine letter you receive will have a reply form in it and that allows you to tell them who was driving. In the UK failing to name the driver is a far more serious offence than the speeding so don't try this as I'm sure the French will take a dim view of it also.
What is Cross Border Enforcement?
Plain and simple it means the pursuit of traffic offenders in a vehicle that is registered in any EU country even when the law breaking takes place in a different country to the one it’s registered in.
Is speeding worse in France?
The problem is MUCH worse in France where speeding offences committed by Non-French drivers accounts for a quarter of the total annually and nearly half during the peak holiday season.
Does the EU charge fines?
Throughout the EU the fines will be charged by the country where you commit the offence and will therefore be the fines levied by that country not based on ours here in the UK. So make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for or don’t speed or run a red light!
Do UK drivers drive like the lights have gone out?
That may be true but when UK drivers get off the ferry at Calais quite a few seem to drive like the lights have gone out at the start of a Grand Prix at Silverstone. As many drivers know they can currently ignore speed cameras they often drive like complete idiots.
Can you be fined for flying a car in the UK?
UK holiday makers who go for a “fly drive” vacation have always been liable for fines when driving the hire car illegally. It's usually in the small print of the rental agreement but it is standard practise that the money for the fine is automatically charged to the credit card that was used to hire the car and/or pay for the deposit. See our car hire tips here.

What Is Cross Border Enforcement?
- Plain and simple it means the pursuit of traffic offenders in a vehicle that is registered in any EU country even when the law breaking takes place in a different country to the one it’s registered in. It will make it easier to cope with the difficult cross-border problems posed by drivers speeding, …
Where Are We Now?
- Basically everyone is already in agreement with fining drivers from other EU countries apart from the UK, Ireland and Denmark however we have only been issued with an extension and we have to come into line with everyone else from May 2017.
What Has Brought This on?
- The European Commission’s figures show that tourist drivers throughout Europe account for just fewer than five percent of the cars on the road yet account for fifteen percent of the speeding offences. The problem is MUCH worse in France where speeding offences committed by Non-French drivers accounts for a quarter of the total annually and nearly half during the peak holida…
It’S Not Just Speeding
- Apart from speeding the new EU directive also covers not wearing a seat belt, traffic light offences, drunk driving, driving while high on drugs, motorbike riders not wearing a helmet, using the hard shoulder, bus lane offences, ignoring road work lane closures, using a mobile phone (only allowed with a fully fitted Bluetooth kit) or failing to stop at a mandatory stop signal. (see ou…
What If You Were Not The Driver?
- The fine letter you receive will have a reply form in it and that allows you to tell them who was driving. In the UK failing to name the driver is a far more serious offence than the speeding so don't try this as I'm sure the French will take a dim view of it also.
Car Hire?
- UK holiday makers who go for a “fly drive” vacation have always been liable for fines when driving the hire car illegally. It's usually in the small print of the rental agreement but it is standard practise that the money for the fine is automatically charged to the credit card that was used to hire the car and/or pay for the deposit. See our car hiretips here.
Are We Being Targeted unfairly?
- Last year, the AA said there was evidence to support the fact that French police target UK drivers because they have a disproportionate number of speed cameras on the roads to and from the Channel ports. That may be true but when UK drivers get off the ferry at Calais quite a few seem to drive like the lights have gone out at the start of a Grand Prix at Silverstone. As many drivers …
in Summary
- If you don't break the law while driving in France then you have nothing to worry about. I would never advocate law breaking and I strongly urge people to just relax and take their time while driving in France but no matter what I say boy racers will disregard the rules of the road in any event. If you want to drive down the hard shoulder or in a bus lane or race through speed camer…
Finally
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