Not every traffic offence is about speed, alcohol or drugs. Running a red light, using your phone at the wheel, driving without a valid licence or without insurance and driving during a driving ban can also bring you before the police court (tribunal de police). Sometimes it is just a fine, sometimes it is much more.
Traffic offences are divided into four degrees: the higher the degree, the heavier the consequences.
What are you facing?
- A fine. Most first- to third-degree offences are dealt with by immediate payment (perception immédiate) or a settlement offer (transaction pénale). If you pay, the case is closed.
- A payment order (ordre de paiement). If you do not pay, the public prosecutor (procureur du Roi) can send you a payment order. You then have 30 days to appeal. An unpaid fine can even lead to the suspension of your driving licence.
- A summons. For a fourth-degree offence, you will always receive a summons (citation) to appear before the police court. You then risk a fine and a driving ban (déchéance du droit de conduire).
- Heavy consequences for certain offences. Driving without a valid licence, driving without insurance and driving during a driving ban are severely punished, often with a driving ban. If you drive uninsured, you may also have to pay for the damage of an accident yourself.
Using a phone at the wheel is also a third-degree offence.
How we handle your case
For a minor offence that you do not dispute, paying is usually the simplest solution. We will tell you that honestly. A lawyer makes the difference when:
- you receive a summons or risk a driving ban;
- you dispute the offence, for example because you were not the driver or because the police findings are wrong;
- you receive a payment order and are considering an appeal;
- the case may be time-barred (prescription);
- you are a repeat offender.
Our lawyers request the file, check the deadlines and the procedure, and defend you before the police court. If the offence is established, we work on the sentence, so that the consequences for your licence and your wallet are kept to a minimum. Questions about your case? Contact us.