Dispute a fixed speed camera fine

1. What is a fixed speed camera? Common cases and penalties

A fixed speed camera is an automated speed control device permanently installed at the roadside or above the roadway. It measures the speed of all vehicles passing it and automatically photographs those whose speed exceeds the legal threshold (after margin of error). Fixed fines range from €68 (exceeding speed limit by less than 20 km/h outside urban areas) to €135 for most offenses, with a deduction of 1 to 4 points depending on the observed excess speed.

2. Can a fixed speed camera fine be contested?

Yes, any fixed fine issued following a fixed speed camera control can be contested within 45 days from the date on 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 amount. Failing to act within this period will result in an increased fine, but does not definitively close all possibilities of appeal.
It is possible to contest a fixed speed camera within this framework.

3. In what cases can a fixed speed camera be contested?

The most frequently accepted grounds are: expiration or absence of the mandatory annual calibration certificate, non-compliant or illegible speed signage, incorrect vehicle identification on the photo, a procedural defect in the notice of contravention, exceeding the 3-month notification period, non-compliance of the camera's installation, and absence of the driver at the wheel (loaned vehicle, rental, theft). Analysis by contestations.fr systematically checks these 7 categories.

4. How much does it cost to contest a fixed speed camera?

contestations.fr offers a single package at €49, with no commitment or subscription, including complete AI analysis, validation by our human experts, drafting and submission of the file to the OMP. A lawyer specializing in traffic law generally costs between €300 and €800. Contesting alone is free, but the success rate is around 20% without assistance, compared to 89% with contestations.fr.

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

A successful contestation leads to: total cancellation of the fine (no payment due), non-registration of the offense in the national file, preservation of your points, and avoidance of a possible license suspension for significant speeding. For drivers close to license invalidation, the stakes are much higher than the cost of the service.
The process allows you to contest a fixed speed camera effectively.

6. What are the deadlines for contesting a fixed speed camera?

You have 45 days from the receipt of the notice of contravention to contest (30 days if you have paid). The OMP generally rules within 3 months of receiving the file. In case of rejection, you can appeal to the police court within a new period of 30 days. The absolute statute of limitations for minor offenses is 3 years (Article 9 of the Code of Criminal Procedure).

7. Can one contest after an increased fine?

Yes, under certain conditions. If the fine has been increased (initial deadline exceeded), you can still contest with the OMP by invoking substantive reasons (calibration, signage, identification...) or by justifying why you did not contest within the deadline (non-receipt of the notice, incorrect address...). The 3-year statute of limitations is the only absolute cut-off date.

8. How does online contesting of a fixed speed camera work?

With contestations.fr, the process is 100% online: (1) submit your documents (notice of contravention + radar photo) via the platform; (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 reasoned file to the competent OMP; (5) you are notified at each stage. No travel, no paperwork.
This process allows you to contest a fixed speed camera online.

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

Essential documents: the original notice of contravention and the radar photograph (generally attached to the notice or accessible on the ANTAI website). Useful documents depending on the reason: registration certificate, certificate of transfer if the vehicle has been sold, receipt of theft declaration, or any proof that you were not driving.
Risk: none on the merits — the OMP cannot increase your penalty. In case of rejection, you will have to pay the same initial fine.

10. Can a fixed speed camera be contested after payment?

Technically, paying within the initial deadline is equivalent to admitting the offense. If you have paid, you still have 30 days from the date of payment to contest. Beyond this post-payment period, the ordinary appeal route is closed. This is why it is strongly recommended not to pay until you have checked whether your case can be contested.

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

Yes. Each file processed by contestations.fr is analyzed by our AI and then validated by a human expert in traffic law. For offenses that constitute a felony (exceeding 50 km/h or more, alcohol, drugs, hit and run), we are not competent and will refer you to a specialized partner lawyer. For all fixed penalties related to a fixed speed camera, our experts are at your disposal.