Objecting to a Traffic Fine: The Basic Steps

There is, under certain conditions, a route to object to administrative fines issued for breaches of traffic rules. This article sets out the general framework of the process.

Time limit for objection

As a rule, an objection to an administrative fine must be made within a period that runs from the date the fine is served or announced. If this period is missed, the fine may become final; it is therefore important to correctly establish the date of notification.

Competent authority

Under the framework of misdemeanour legislation, objections to traffic fines are made to the criminal judgeship of peace. It is useful to clearly state, in the application, the report giving rise to the fine and the grounds for the objection.

Grounds for objection

The points that can be raised in an objection vary by case. For example:

• That the report was not drawn up in accordance with procedure,
• Evidence that the act giving rise to the fine did not occur,
• Deficiencies relating to notification.

The importance of documents

A copy of the report, any photographs or camera records, and documents relating to notification are important during the objection process. Keeping these documents in order contributes to the sound conduct of the process.

Every fine and every report may involve its own particular circumstances; the general information above may therefore not apply directly to a specific situation.