Top cause of fatal accidents in France according to ONISR (32% of deaths in 2025, about 1,045 dead out of 3,260), speeding remains the most controlled and sanctioned offence. With 4,500 radars across the territory and 244,000 injured linked to road insecurity, the 2026 scale maintains a graduated but firm sanction policy. Overview of fines, point losses and recovery options.
The 2026 speeding scale
Contraventions are classified in 4 levels according to the gap above the speed limit. The bigger the gap, the higher the fine and point loss. Beyond 50 km/h, the offence becomes a misdemeanour with criminal court appearance.
Below 20 km/h
Outside town: 135 euros fixed, reduced to 90, increased to 375, 1 point loss. In town (30 zone, 50 km/h): 135 euros and 1 point as well. Most frequent case (60% of speeding contraventions), often concerns fixed radars at town exits.
20 to 30 km/h over
135 euros fixed, 2 points loss. In town, the court can order up to 3 years suspension if driving is dangerous (article R413-14 of the Road Code). For a probationary licence, these 2 points may trigger a mandatory course.
30 to 40 km/h over
135 euros, 3 points loss. Administrative suspension up to 3 years possible. The prefect decides according to circumstances (weather, traffic, history). Vehicle confiscation possible in case of repeat or manifestly dangerous driving.
40 to 50 km/h over
5th-class contravention: 1,500 euros maximum, 4 points loss, licence suspension up to 3 years, possible vehicle confiscation. Police court rules. For probationary licence, often immediate licence invalidation.
Over 50 km/h: the misdemeanour
Exceeding the limit by more than 50 km/h is a misdemeanour. First offence: 3,750 euros fine, 6 points loss, licence suspension up to 3 years, possible vehicle confiscation, and B2 criminal record entry. In repeat case within 3 years, the fine can reach 7,500 euros and prison 3 months firm.
Judicial procedure
The driver receives a summons before criminal court. They may be defended by a lawyer. Immediate licence retention (72 hours) followed by prefectural administrative suspension (6 months) precedes judgment. Légifrance publishes the full L and R articles of the applicable Road Code.
Point recovery
Automatic recovery delay varies by loss. For 1 point: automatic recovery after 6 months without new offence. For other losses: 2 years (contraventions) or 3 years (misdemeanours) without new offence. To recover faster, the road safety awareness course allows regaining 4 points in 2 days.
Recovery course: terms
The course costs between 200 and 270 euros depending on the department. It lasts 14 hours over 2 consecutive days at a prefecture-approved centre. Maximum 1 voluntary course per year. For a probationary licence in serious offence, the course becomes mandatory within 4 months of the 48N letter. Mes Points Permis allows free real-time balance consultation.
Contesting a speeding ticket
Contestation is done within 45 days via ANTAI website or registered mail. Admissible grounds: lent or stolen vehicle, misread plate, radar margin not applied. Payment is acknowledgment and prevents any subsequent contestation. Prior consignment of the fine (full amount) is mandatory to refer to the police court, refunded if the contestation succeeds.
Next step
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