Contesting a fine

Who is this procedure intended for?

This procedure is intended for any person who feels they have been unfairly fined.

Spot fines (amendes d’ordre)

Can a spot fine be contested?

There is no appeal procedure provided for by the law concerning spot fines. A spot fine that remains unpaid at the end of the legal period of reflection of 30 days is sent to the Contraventions Office of the Canton of Geneva to be converted into a penalty order, increased by a fee.

Payment arrangement:

The aforementioned legal period of reflection does not allow for payment by instalments within the framework of the spot fine procedure. Only the Contraventions Office can grant the possibility of payment by instalments, but only after the spot fine has been converted into a penalty order.

Request for the case to be examined during the legal period of reflection:

Anyone who feels that they have been fined unfairly can state their case, at no cost, by letter, e-mail or telephone to the municipal police department using the contact details shown at the bottom of the page.

Penalty orders (ordonnances pénales)

How can a penalty order be contested?

A penalty order can be contested within 10 days of notification by writing to the Contraventions Office of the Canton of Geneva (the appeal procedure and period are indicated on the order in question).

If, after taking a decision concerning the contestation letter, this office maintains the penalty order, the case is sent to the Court of First Instance (Police Court) to be judged.

Administrative fines (amendes administratives)

How can an administrative fine be contested?

Administrative fines can be contested within 30 days of notification via the Administrative Court of First Instance.

After hearing the arguments of the parties involved, this court delivers a judgement subject to appeal through the Court of Justice within a deadline of 30 days from notification.

Payment arrangement:

Any request for payment by instalments must be made in writing to the municipal police department.

Request for examination of the case before appeal:

Anyone who feels that they have been fined unfairly but who does not want to initiate legal proceedings, can state their case by letter, e-mail or telephone, at least 15 days before expiry of the deadline for appeal, to the municipal police department using the contact details shown at the bottom of the page.