How to check traffic fines
The quickest route is through government service portals or the traffic police portal. These sites connect to the traffic police fines database and to the National Information System for government and municipal payments. In urban centers, residents can check fines on the city portal and related transit portals.
Smartphone apps are also popular for quick checks, including options like Fines by city, My Fines, and Police Fines with photo features.
Traditional mail remains an option, with notices often sent by registered post to the address on file for the vehicle owner.
How to search correctly
If a violation is captured by a camera, the blame is tied to the vehicle, or more precisely the registered owner who was operating the vehicle at the time of the violation.
If a decision comes from a traffic police inspector, the fine is issued to the person whose details are on file, regardless of ownership of the vehicle.
To view all outstanding notices, it makes sense to query using both the vehicle registration number and the driver’s license number.
On the traffic police site, the fines check also requires entering the vehicle registration number.
What is the payment term?
The offender must pay the fine within 60 days. A note: 10 days are allowed for an appeal, so the total window is effectively 70 days in some cases.
What if you don’t pay?
On day 71, the debtor’s data can be shared with enforcement authorities. Unpaid administrative fines may lead to penalties such as a doubled fine, or minimum penalties, or even short-term detention or community service, depending on local regulations.
Additionally, as of a recent reform, debt collection can be automated through direct debit from the debtor’s payment card for unconditional decisions. To avoid misidentification, authorities may verify identity using multiple identifiers beyond the driver’s license, such as a national ID or tax number.
Is the 50% discount still available at year end?
Discounts related to certain offenses were adjusted in various regions. From mid-2022, some reductions expired for specific violations, and new rules apply for drivers who have had their licenses suspended or for rail crossing violations. Discounts do not apply to more serious offenses or repeat violations that involve significant safety risks.
Discounts may not apply to recurrences, such as returning to a prohibited signal, reentering the opposite lane, or repeated speeding above certain thresholds, nor to re-registration of an unregistered vehicle.
Serious alcohol related offenses, including driving under the influence or refusing a medical exam, generally do not qualify for discounts.
In cases where a victim suffers injuries or health damage due to the offense, the discount may not apply.
Why does a fine show up under my name?
First, contact the bank that processed the payment. Sometimes banks delay reporting the payment to the national or municipal payment registry.
If the payment shows as completed, reach out to the authority that issued the fine, such as a parking authority, to verify the status of the notice.
How to dispute a fine
If there is a belief that a camera notice is erroneous or the fine is nonexistent, contact the issuing organization. If they refuse, there is typically a right to take the matter to court.
If a traffic officer has issued the fine and there is disagreement, a formal written note should be added to the record detailing why the ruling seems incorrect. Provide any supporting documentation when presenting the case. Be sure to keep a copy of the record for reference.
- Notifications about road violations can also appear on social platforms in some jurisdictions.
Note: All procedures and terms may vary by country, state, or province. Always verify the latest rules with the local traffic authority. This article provides a general overview and does not replace official guidance. [Source: Government fines portals and enforcement agencies, cited for context].