Findings of electric car users
For many electric vehicle drivers, it's sometimes possible for municipal officers to ticket hybrid or electric vehicles that are parked in spaces dedicated to electrified vehicles. The reason for the ticket will be something like " parking gênant sur un emplacement réservé aux véhicules affectés à un service public".
It's possible that municipal staff are confusing electric cars with "suction cars", or that they simply don't recognize electric cars.
Many people surprised by these errors testify every day, and share them on social networks or in private groups dedicated to electric cars, such as the "electric car" Facebook group.electric car"or the "electric cars for dummies.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't hesitate to contest the fine!
Good to know: cities where you can free parking with an electric car.
How do I contest a ticket?
Unpleasant surprise: you've received a fine or parking charge that you don't feel you owe. Here's what you need to know and how to avoid paying:
To contest a ticket or an increased fixed fine, you must submit a request for exoneration or a claim to the public prosecutor.
Dispute procedures
You have a choice of two ways to contest your claim. You can :
Use the ANTAI (Agence Nationale de Traitement Automatisé des Infractions) online procedure.
- Ticket number or ticket reference : example 3644861568 / 01234567891011
- Last name or company name : example Dupont Paul
- Date of ticket : example 11/03/2020
- Registration number : example AA-123-AA
Make your request by post by sending :
- The "exemption request form" you received with your notice.
- The "claim form" when attached to your increased fixed-rate fine.
How to contest?
If you wish to contest a ticket, you can take all the necessary steps online by clicking on the link " Designate or contest online ". This saves you the cost of sending the ticket by recorded delivery.
You'll need to provide a copy of your ticket, state the reasons for your objection and deposit the amount of the fine.
You can also send your objection by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt, to the postal address shown at the bottom right of the first page of your ticket.
If you wish to contest an amende forfaitaire majorée, you can also do so online. If you choose to contest your fine by post, you must send it to the postal address shown at the top left of the first page of your "amende forfaitaire majorée" notice.
What procedure should I follow?
If you choose to do your paperwork online, you must follow a simple 6-step process by clicking on the following link: " Dispute online ".
If you choose to contest by mail, you must follow the steps below:
- Use the request for exoneration form attached to the fine notice you received, or the claim form attached to the increased fixed fine notice.
- Fill in the first part of this form, making sure to complete all mandatory fields marked with an asterisk (*).
- Tick the "CASE N°3" box.
- Please attach on a separate sheet of paper the reason(s) for your objection and/or the reasons for the absence of the information or documents requested.
- Enclose the original ticket or notice of increased fixed fine you received.
- Date and sign the form in the box provided.
- Please note: you must send your dispute by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.
- You must also pay a deposit.
How to register?
The procedure for paying the deposit is identical to that for paying the fine. Please refer to the "Payment" section.
In the cases referred to in articles 529-10 and 530 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a condition for the admissibility of your complaint.
Good to know:
- If you deposit by cheque or credit card, the deposit amount will be debited from your bank account.
- The deposit is not equivalent to payment of the fine and does not result in the loss of any points on the driver's license.
- The deposit will be returned to you at the end of your challenge if the public prosecutor's office dismisses your challenge or if the judge acquits you.
Time limits for contesting :
You have received a ticket: you have 45 days to take action online or send your objection by post.
You have received a notice of an increased fixed fine: you have 3 months in which to take action online or send your objection by post.
For notices sent abroad, these deadlines are extended by one month (article 530-2-1 of the code of criminal procedure).
Other ways to avoid a ticket
We've come up with a few simple actions that will help you avoid being confused by a municipal officer with an explanatory sticker - all you have to do is stick it on your windscreen.
You can also buy explanatory stickers on the Internet, such as on Amazon which offers a wide choice of stickers.
Paris example: applying for a residential parking permit
You can apply online, on the official website of the City of Paris.
The card allows you to park your electric vehicle in spaces equipped with charging stations, and means you won't be fined for obstructing parking in a space reserved for vehicles assigned to a public service.
As you can see, there are many ways to avoid and contest a parking ticket. All you have to do is take the necessary steps to counter this scourge which affects all electric car users.
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