Contesting a speed camera fine

1. What is an automatic speed camera? Common cases and penalties

An automatic speed camera is an automated speed control device, approved by the Ministry of Interior, that photographs vehicles committing infractions without human intervention at the time of control. In France, there are six main types: fixed, mobile embedded, section, construction site, discriminatory, and laser binoculars. Penalties range from €68 (less than 20 km/h outside built-up areas) to €1,500 and 6 points for exceeding 50 km/h or more (offence).

2. Can an automatic speed camera fine be contested?

Yes, any fixed penalty fine issued following an automatic speed camera control can be contested within 45 days from the date of the notice of contravention (Article 529-2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure). This period is reduced to 30 days if you have paid or deposited the sum. After this period, the fine is increased but remains contestable under certain conditions.
It is possible to contest an automatic speed camera fine in this context.

3. In which cases can a speed camera fine be contested?

There are numerous valid reasons: lack or expiry of the calibration certificate, incorrect identification of the vehicle or driver, non-compliant signage, radar in a construction zone without a valid prefectural decree, formal defect in the notice of contravention, vehicle sold or stolen, or operating conditions incompatible with the reliability of the radar. Analysis by contestations.fr makes it possible to identify the relevant reason(s) for your specific situation.

4. How much does it cost to contest an automatic speed camera fine?

contestations.fr offers a single flat fee of €49, with no commitment or subscription, including full analysis by AI + validation by our experts and transmission of the file. By comparison, using a lawyer specializing in road law generally costs between €300 and €800. Contesting alone is free but significantly less effective: the success rate for contestations.fr files is 89%, compared to about 20% for challenges drafted without assistance.

5. What are the benefits of contesting a speed camera fine?

Successfully contesting allows you to obtain: cancellation of the fine (no payment), non-registration of the offence in the national offence file, preservation of points on your driving license, and avoidance of a possible license suspension in case of accumulated offences.
This approach thus makes it possible to contest an automatic speed camera fine effectively.

6. What are the deadlines for contesting an automatic speed camera fine?

The standard contesting period is 45 days from the date on the notice of contravention. If you have paid or deposited the fine, this period is reduced to 30 days. The Public Prosecutor then generally has 3 months to rule, although this period may vary. In case of rejection, you can appeal to the police court within a new 30-day period.

7. Can an automatic speed camera fine be contested after it has been increased?

Yes, it is possible to contest after the fine has been increased. The increase occurs if the fine is not paid or contested within the initial 45-day period (amount multiplied by 1.5). Despite this increase, you still have the option to submit a contesting file to the Public Prosecutor, who can still decide to close the case without further action if the reasons are strong. After the 3-year statute of limitations, no appeal is possible.

8. How does online contesting of an automatic speed camera fine work?

With contestations.fr, the procedure is entirely digital: (1) you submit the documents via our online platform (notice of contravention + radar photo + any useful document); (2) our AI analyzes the data and identifies flaws in less than 2 hours; (3) a human expert validates the analysis; (4) we draft and transmit your file to the competent Public Prosecutor. You receive a notification at each step.
This process allows you to contest an automatic speed camera fine online.

9. What documents need to be provided? Is there a risk in contesting?

Essential documents: the original notice of contravention, the radar photograph (often attached to the notice), and, depending on the case, the registration certificate. Useful documents depending on the reasons: certificate of sale if the vehicle has been sold, theft declaration receipt, meteorological justifications, or any document proving that you were not driving.
Risk: contesting a genuine offence without solid grounds is not fundamentally risky—the Public Prosecutor cannot worsen your situation. contestations.fr assesses the strength of your case before submitting it.

10. Can an automatic speed camera fine be contested after payment?

Technically, paying a fine is equivalent to admitting the offence. However, if you paid within the initial period, you still have 30 days to contest (this period starts from the date of payment). Beyond this post-payment period, contesting is generally no longer admissible. This is why it is strongly advised not to pay and to first analyze the possibilities of contesting.

11. Can I be accompanied by an expert or a lawyer?

Yes. contestations.fr employs human experts in road law who validate every case processed by our AI. For situations involving a serious offence (exceeding 50 km/h or more, alcohol, drugs, hit and run), we are not competent and will direct you to a partner lawyer specializing in road law, so that you can benefit from appropriate legal support.