Contesting an increased fine

1. What is an increased flat-rate fine (AFM)?

An increased flat-rate fine is the penalty automatically applied when a driver has neither paid nor challenged their fine within 45 days of receiving the initial notice of contravention. The amount is generally 2 to 3 times higher than the original fine, depending on the class of the contravention. The AFM is notified by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt.

2. Can an increased fine be challenged?

Yes. The appropriate procedure is the request for exemption, provided for in Article 529-2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It must be filed within 30 days of the AFM being sent, accompanied by a deposit equal to the amount of the initial fine (not increased). If successful, the deposit is refunded and the increase is cancelled.
The procedure allows you to challenge an increased fine.

3. In what cases can an increased fine be challenged?

The two main cases: (1) you can prove that you did not receive or were unable to process the initial notice within the deadlines (moving, hospitalization, force majeure, address error, vehicle sold); (2) the initial offense is affected by a defect — identification error, lack of equipment certification, non-compliant signage, procedural defect.
Combining both approaches provides an effective way to challenge an increased fine.

4. How much does it cost to challenge an increased fine?

Contestations.fr charges a single flat fee of €49, with no commitment or subscription. In addition, there is the deposit (equal to the amount of the initial fine, not increased), which is refunded to you if the challenge is successful. A lawyer costs between €300 and €1,500 depending on the complexity of the case.

5. What are the benefits of challenging an increased fine?

If successful: cancellation of the increase (return to the initial fine, or even total cancellation if the merits are upheld), refund of the deposit, and no point deduction if the offense is cancelled. Even partial success — removal of the increase but retention of the initial fine — can represent substantial savings (up to €240 on a Class 4 fine).

6. What are the deadlines for challenging an increased fine?

30 days from the date the AFM was sent (not from its receipt). Please note: this deadline is calculated from the date on the registered letter, not from the day you picked it up at the post office. After this deadline, an enforceable title may be issued and ordinary remedies are closed.

7. What is the deposit and how does it work?

The deposit is a mandatory security deposit for filing an exemption request for an AFM. Its amount is equal to that of the initial flat-rate fine (not increased). It is paid to the Public Treasury. If the challenge is successful, it is fully refunded. If it fails, it is retained and applied to the amount of the fine. Therefore, it is not a definitive payment.

8. How does online challenging with Contestations.fr work?

You submit your file online (AFM + supporting documents), our AI analyzes the reasons for delay and the defects of the offense, our experts validate and draft the request for exemption, and then we assist you with the deposit and submission within 30 days. You are monitored at every step.
This process allows you to challenge an increased fine online.

9. What documents are required to challenge an AFM?

Mandatory documents: the increased fine notice (registered letter). Useful documents depending on the situation: the initial notice if available, the vehicle registration certificate, any proof of non-receipt (undelivered acknowledgment of receipt, moving certificate, medical certificate, SIV acknowledgment of receipt for a sold vehicle). The more comprehensive your file, the stronger the request.

10. Can you challenge if the enforceable title has already been issued?

At this stage, ordinary remedies are closed. Extraordinary remedies may still be considered depending on the situation: opposition to prosecution for a serious defect, gracious appeal to the Public Treasury, or referral to the judicial court in case of manifest irregularity. These situations require the intervention of a lawyer — Contestations.fr can direct you to a specialized partner.

11. Can I be assisted by an expert or a lawyer via Contestations.fr?

Contestations.fr is not a law firm: our service is administrative assistance combining AI and human expertise for drafting your exemption request. For high-stakes situations (enforceable title issued, legal proceedings initiated, significant amounts), we will refer you to one of our partner lawyers specializing in road law.