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In brief
Section actions
Duration: Control: 5–30 minutes on the road; contest: 15 minutes + waiting
Cost: Free (checking); fines 11–1 500 €+ in case of infringement
Possible online

Who this guide is for

Section actions
  • You if you stopped on the road in France
  • You if you have received a ticket and want to challenge
  • If you want to know your rights to alcohol/drug testing

To be prepared in advance

Section actions
  • Driver's licence (French or international + national for foreigners)
  • Grey card and certificate of insurance
  • Knowledge of your rights (see below)

Step-by-step procedure

Section actions
  1. 1Immediately stop the vehicle at signal (gyrophare, stick). Turn off the engine, open the window. Stay in the vehicle unless otherwise requested. Keep calm.
  2. 2The police can arrest you without any specific reason (routine control). Can check: permit, grey card, insurance, technical check. Also alcohol, belt, phone, tires.
  3. 3Mandatory parts: permit, grey card, certificate of insurance (green card), technical check if applicable. Absence = fine of 11 € (package 1re class) per document, or 90 € for driving without insurance.
  4. 4Alcohol testing: mandatory in case of injury or offence; otherwise random. Threshold: 0,5 g/l of blood (0,25 mg/l of expired air), 0,2 for probationary permit. Refusal — criminal offence (2 years in prison, 4 500 €).
  5. 5Narcotic screening: salivary test in case of signs or bodily injury. Refusal — same offence as alcohol. Positive — blood/urinary analysis for confirmation.
  6. 6Fines on site: Police are not entitled to demand an immediate payment for contraventions (except for immediate enforcement of small fines, payable under 3 days on site or by TIP cheque). For foreigners outside the EU — bond payable on site for fines >750 €.
  7. 7Receipt/PV: The police officer issues a Notice of Contravention (NOC) describing the offence, the section, the fine. Payment periods indicated. Without a VP — no infringement.
  8. 8Payment or challenge: within 30 days (flat rate fine) or 45 days (plus fine). Contest via ANTAI (antai.gouv.fr) online with motivation.
  9. 9Vehicle verification: may include brakes, tires, lighting, emissions. In case of critical defect — immobilization. Lifted after repair and visit DREAL.
  10. 10In case of retention of the permit: for serious offence (alcohol >0,8, narcotics, excess >40 km/h, manslaughter), the permit is withdrawn immediately. Recovery after decision of the judge or internship (for points).
  11. 11You have the right: to courteous treatment, to know the reason for the check, to the presence of a lawyer in custody, to an interpreter if you do not speak French (in formal proceedings).

Common mistakes

Section actions
  • To argue with the police officer on the spot — risk of aggravation (outrage).
  • Not to sign the VP — does not disclaim liability, counted as refusal.
  • Pay the fine without considering whether there is cause for challenge — loss of right.
  • Refuse alcohol/drug testing — criminal offence, worse than a positive result.
  • To believe that a foreign permit "is not amendable" — EU licence amendable, Russia/Belarus/Ukraine — international zones (agreements).

Official sources

Section actions
Show sources in this section

Useful links

Section actions
Withdrawal of pointsProbation permitTransport Section

Important remark

Roadside checks are governed by the Road Traffic Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. Indicative information; for your case, consult a specialist lawyer.

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