Split payment (in installments) is now possible for tort fixed fines, since the beginning of March.
Since March 6, 2023, anyone can opt for split payment in the event that they are liable for a criminal fine, which concerns approximately 3% of traffic offenses sanctioned in France. You have to be careful all the same, because the user can be trapped in the game of deadlines. Clubic explains everything to you.
Heavier traffic fines can be difficult to pay
Officially, this is an experiment developed by the Ministries of Justice and Finance which, in conjunction with the ANTAI (National Agency for the Automated Processing of Offences), now offer the solution of split payment to allow users to pay the amount claimed in installments.
Here, the process is aimed at fixed tort fines. It should be remembered that the payment of the fixed fine makes it possible, in exchange for recognition of the offence, to avoid criminal proceedings. And if you pay it within 15 days of the date on the notice of violation, it can be reduced.
The tort fixed fine, by definition, concerns misdemeanors, which are therefore more heavily sanctioned:
- 200 euros in the event of the use of narcotics (which may be reduced to 150 euros);
- 200 euros for the offense of unlawful occupation (reduced to 150 euros);
- 500 euros in the event of driving without insurance (which may be reduced to 450 euros);
- 800 euros for the offense of driving without a driving license (reduced to 640 euros).
These criminal fines are more substantial and may, depending on the user’s financial situation, result in unpaid bills. To further facilitate payment and unclog the courts, the State could add new offenses to those already eligible for the division that we have just mentioned.
How does split payment work?
If you do not pay within 15 days, you have up to 45 days to pay your fixed tort fine, then increased beyond 45 days, except in the case of payment by credit card or using a stamp dematerialized (the period increases to 60 days) which can be purchased from a tobacconist or in public finance centres.
To benefit from the reduced split payment, everything is done online, during the payment stage. At this time, simply choose the option of partial payment. The service does not impose a minimum amount. You can for example choose to pay 100 euros on this first partial payment, and then to pay the remaining sum in one or more additional payments, on the dates of your choice.
You will still have to respect a particular condition to stay in the nails:
- Payments must be made before the 30e day of the notice of fine. Failing this, it will change to the flat rate (ie reduced to the “normal” rate). You will therefore have to pay the complement of what you have already paid, up to the total lump sum. You will then have 30 additional days (60 in total). Beyond that, the increased rate will apply.
It is therefore possible to benefit from a reduced payment, but this requires paying the entire fine within 30 days, as we said. You won’t be limited to just one payment method either. Thus, several bank cards can be used for payment, as long as you use the same telepayment number. Finally, we take this opportunity to remind you to remain vigilant to scams that are rampant on the Web and to always go through official platforms to make your payments.
Source : ANTAI
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