Avoid Bigger Fines with This Simple Template Letter!

Getting a traffic ticket at home is not uncommon for car owners. Whether it’s for obstructive parking, unpaid parking fees, or speeding, there are many reasons drivers face fines. Yet, few dare to challenge these penalties. “Usually, I don’t bother arguing; I just pay what they ask and get it over with because I’m afraid of getting a rejection or having to pay even more,” shares Damien, 35. Indeed, if fines aren’t paid on time, they increase. For instance, “a parking fine of $35 can escalate to $75,” notes the public service website.

However, it is sometimes possible to dispute this increase, for instance if someone else was driving your vehicle, or if you simply disagree with the alleged violation. Another argument might also work in your favor, especially if you never received the initial fine notice. Occasionally, people receive an increased fine without ever seeing the original one. On the TikTok account @Lois_et_chandelles, a legal expert reminds us that Article 1353 of the Civil Code states that “the person who demands the fulfillment of an obligation must prove it.” Therefore, a letter outlining certain legal elements can empower the penalized driver to contest this increase.

Dear Sir or Madam of the Public Ministry, I am writing to dispute the increase in the traffic fine number (reference of the increased fine) that I was recently informed about through a third-party notice on my bank account. However, I never received the initial traffic violation notice mentioned in your procedure for an offense committed (specify the date and time). To date, no proof of receipt has been provided to me, neither by registered mail nor by any other means that would verify my acknowledgment of this fine. Accordingly, as per Article 1353 of the Civil Code, the burden of proof lies with you, and without convincing evidence, the increase procedure is legally contestable. I therefore request the cancellation of this increase and the reimbursement of the amounts unduly taken from my account. I look forward to your response; please accept my sincerest regards.

“To contest a traffic violation notice or an increased fixed fine, you must submit a request for exoneration or a claim to the public ministry officer (OMP),” advises the National Agency for Automated Offense Processing (ANTAI). This claim can sometimes prevent the increase, but you may still have to pay the original fine.