Understanding how road traffic offences are automatically processed

1. The offence

Automatic traffic enforcement cameras generate offence notices.

For example, an automatic traffic enforcement camera can record offences such as speeding or running a red light.

2. Data transmission

Data about the offence is encrypted and sent to the National Processing Centre (CNT) in Rennes.

3. Identification

The data from the traffic enforcement camera image is analysed, including the number plate. This enables the holder of the vehicle registration document to be identified via the Vehicle Registration System (SIV).

Officers from the Police and Gendarmerie Nationale working at the automated road traffic offence detection centre (CACIR) record the offence.

4. Notification

The fixed penalty notice is sent to the holder of the vehicle registration document by post or email, if this information is in the Vehicle Registration System (SIV) database.

5. Payment or appeal

The recipient can either acknowledge the offence (and pay the fine as per the terms & conditions and within the time limits specified on the notice), or appeal against it.

5.1 Payment

The fine can be paid online, by phone, by post, at one of the local payment offices, or to the French tax collection agency, the Trésor Public (DGFiP).

Payment of the fixed fine implies acknowledging the offence, the possibility of penalty points, and brings the procedure to an end

5.2 Appeal

The recipient may either appeal the fine online via the ANTAI website without incurring any postage costs, or appeal quickly by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt by writing to the address shown on the documents received.

Grounds for appeal are as follows:

• Your vehicle was stolen, destroyed, transferred, or sold, or your vehicle registration plate was stolen.
• You want to designate another driver (if the vehicle was on loan, a legal entity must designate a natural person).
• You are appealing the actual occurrence of the offence.

To validate your appeal, a security deposit is compulsory.

6. Your appeal is reviewed

ANTAI no longer has jurisdiction over it: this means that the French legal authorities, not ANTAI, are responsible for reviewing your appeal and making a decision about it.

Initially, your appeal will be examined by the Public Prosecution Officer (OMP) for Automated Road Traffic Enforcement, or by the local OMP if the former decides to transfer the case.

7. Decision of the Public Prosecution Officer (OMP)

If your appeal is admissible, the Public Prosecution Officer will decide either to bring proceedings before the local police court (in which case, the judge may either find you criminally liable for the offence or acquit you) or to dismiss the case.
If you had paid the security deposit and the decision is in your favour, you can be reimbursed.
Please note that if another driver is designated, a new notice of offence will be sent to that person, who may then pay the fine or appeal it.

8. Checking file status

ANTAI provides an online tool for you to view and track the status of your file. Go to the the offence file consultation section.