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Pulled Over for Speeding in France

Handle a roadside check politely, understand the fine and points, and deal with a speed-camera notice in the post.

On French roads you must carry your licence, the car's registration certificate (carte grise) and proof of insurance, and gendarmes or police will ask for « vos papiers ». Most speeding is caught by automatic cameras: an avis de contravention arrives by post, and paying quickly online or by phone gets the reduced rate (amende minorée). A small excess outside towns costs a 68 € fine and one point on a French licence; if someone else was driving, you must name the driver within 45 days.

Classic blue gendarmerie car in front of yellow backdrop, evoking a nostalgic feel.
Photo: Miguel Cuenca on Pexels
  1. 1

    Bonjour, contrôle routier.

    Good afternoon, this is a roadside check.

  2. 2

    Vos papiers, s'il vous plaît.

    Your papers, please.

  3. 3

    Voici mon permis et la carte grise.

    Here's my driving licence and the registration document.

  4. 4

    Vous savez à quelle vitesse vous rouliez ?

    Do you know how fast you were going?

  5. 5

    Je n'ai pas vu le panneau de limitation de vitesse.

    I didn't see the speed limit sign.

  6. 6

    Vous rouliez à 92 au lieu de 80.

    You were doing 92 instead of 80.

  7. 7

    Je suis désolé, je ne m'en suis pas rendu compte.

    I'm sorry, I didn't realise.

  8. 8

    C'est une voiture de location.

    It's a rental car.

  9. 9

    J'ai un permis étranger.

    I have a foreign licence.

  10. 10

    J'ai été flashé ?

    Was I caught by a speed camera?

  11. 11

    J'ai reçu un avis de contravention par courrier.

    I received a fine notice in the post.

  12. 12

    L'amende est de combien ?

    How much is the fine?

  13. 13

    Si vous payez sous quinze jours, elle est minorée.

    If you pay within 15 days, it's reduced.

  14. 14

    Vous pouvez payer en ligne sur le site officiel.

    You can pay online on the official website.

  15. 15

    Est-ce que je vais perdre des points sur mon permis ?

    Will I lose points on my licence?

  16. 16

    Je voudrais contester l'amende.

    I'd like to contest the fine.

  17. 17

    Ce n'était pas moi qui conduisais.

    I wasn't the one driving.

  18. 18

    Vous devez désigner le conducteur.

    You must name the driver.

  19. 19

    Ralentissez en agglomération, s'il vous plaît.

    Please slow down in built-up areas.

  20. 20

    Bonne route, soyez prudent.

    Have a good trip, drive safely.