Can I pay the reduced amount and then appeal?

No. Paying the reduced amount is equivalent to accepting the penalty and prevents any subsequent appeal.

What happens if I lose the appeal to the Justice of the Peace?

You must pay the original fine plus court costs. The Justice of the Peace can also order you to pay the other party's legal costs.

Can I appeal even if I was not driving?

If you are the owner but were not driving, you can report the actual driver's details within 60 days. If the fine is for speeding or red light, the liability falls on the driver, not the owner.

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Traffic fine appeal

Received a fine you believe is unjust? You can appeal in two ways: to the Prefecture within 30 days of notification (free) or to the Justice of the Peace within 60 days (with a €43 fee if the fine is below €1,100). The appeal suspends the obligation to pay. If you lose, you may also have to pay legal costs.

Authority

Prefettura territorialmente competente

Time

1-2 ore

Updated

Apr 2026

What you need

✓Copy of the infringement notice (the fine you received)
✓Identity document
✓Supporting evidence (photos, witness statements, obstructed signs, etc.)
✓Certified email (PEC) or registered letter for submission

Step-by-step procedure

Assess whether you have a valid ground

Valid grounds include: absent or obstructed signage, errors in the notice (plate, date, location), missing parking warning notices, procedural violations in the citation. An appeal without a solid ground will be rejected.

Also check the deadlines: if the fine was notified more than 90 days after the violation (360 days for speed camera fines), it may already be void.

Choose the type of appeal

Appeal to the Prefecture: within 30 days, free, written. The Prefecture can cancel or confirm the fine. Appeal to the Justice of the Peace: within 60 days, €43 court fee, hearing before a judge. The Justice of the Peace can also reduce the penalty.

You cannot do both: you must choose one.

Write the appeal and send it

The appeal must include: your details, the notice details, grounds for contestation and supporting evidence. Send it via PEC (faster and traceable) or registered letter to the issuing authority (municipality, traffic police, etc.) or the competent Prefecture.

Keep the postal receipt: it is proof that you met the deadline.

Wait for the outcome

The Prefecture has 210 days to decide. If it does not respond within this period, the appeal is deemed accepted. The Justice of the Peace schedules a hearing where you can present evidence with a lawyer (optional).

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Prefettura competente

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

Prefettura territorialmente competente

Phone

Certified email

Website

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.