France traffic laws - running a red light

jimbojet_2

This is admittedly a pretty niche question - I'm hoping an expat might be able to shed some light on this one.

Does anyone know if/how I can contest a 90€ traffic penalty notice for running a red light on a bicycle today in central Paris? I'm a UK resident working in Paris.

The offence is R 412-30, which is "not respecting a red light or stop sign". I was stopped 5 secs after by a policeman on a bicycle and gave my details (French address, ID), then signed and ticked the section that asked whether I accepted the ticket. I fear that may be the mistake that scuppers my chances of challenging. I asked the policeman what would happen if I did not accept and tick the ticket and she said I would be summoned to a "police tribunal". I asked a French friend (who I can't put this question to because he's just gone away) and apparently this is not strictly true. Is there grounds for contesting the ticket if the policeman has given me false information?

So, having accepted and ticked the box, is it now too late for me to challenge it?
I know for instance that there is no (or rarely ever) follow-up for traffic offences committed by UK residents in Europe because of something to do with the Shengen agreement, but I supplied a French address so I'm not sure that applies anymore...

Any advice appreciated - I've got three days to pay it...

sinizterguy

You ran the red light, pay up and move on.

Frankly, unbelievable...

keystone

Just pay it. You take on the French Plod at your peril - it ain't worth it. BTW the UK has never signed the Schengen Agreement which is about free movement across borders. Perhaps you should have given your UK address.

Cheers

Wig

I used the news group fr.misc.droit for legal advice for France when I needed some....

Try this link
https://groups.google.com/group/fr.misc.droit/topics?hl=en

If you have a google email account you can post to the group through google groups (the easiest way to do it if you have not used a ISP newsreader before). You can use a newsreader such as outlook express through your ISP newsserver

Although 3 days is not a lot of time to expect replies, but as it is the weekend you may get some replies.

jimbojet_2

@sinizterguy: useful information - cheers. Seriously, you might do well to read the name of this website.

@keystone: I don't have 90€. I am working, but I don't have that sort of cash lying around.

@Wig: Thanks, didn't know about that. I'll have a look at the group and see how it goes