Number of wrongly issued driving fines rising in France: how to appeal

Increasing numbers of motorists in France are receiving a fine for failing to pay for parking, even in cases where they were not at the location at the time of the fine.

In cities including Paris wrongly issued fines have increasingly been linked to those forging others’ licence plates.

Some victims then have to undertake a long campaign to clear their own name. One man in his 70s, Henri, who lives in Colomiers (Haute-Garonne), told La Dépêche he was issued a post-parking penalty (le forfait de post-stationnement, FPS) of €100 detailing a street in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. He had not been there at the time.

Despite saying he has proof of his innocence he is still being held responsible for payment.

How can I contest a parking ticket in France? 

If you are issued with a parking fine when you were not parked as indicated on the ticket, you should follow the instructions on your fine letter, and lodge a Rapo (recours administratif préalable obligatoire, a compulsory prior administrative appeal) within one month of receiving the fine.

It is no longer necessary to pay the fine before contesting it which prior to 2020 was the case.

Read also: Drivers in France can now contest parking fine before paying
Read also: How to contest a driving or speeding fine in France 

To contest an FPS, you need to produce a statement of the facts explaining your appeal, as well as a copy of the disputed payment notice.

Copies of the certificat d’immatriculation (vehicle registration certificate) or the déclaration de cession du véhicule (declaration of vehicle transfer) are also required.

If your number plates have been copied you are also advised to lodge a complaint. 

More information on disputing vehicle fines, and specifically FPS, can be found on the ANTAI website (Agence nationale traitement automatisé infractions).