Criminal Law · European Union
Facing a Traffic Offence? Protect Your Licence and Your Record
A traffic offence — speeding, running a light, using a phone or worse — can mean fines, licence points or even a ban, and the rules differ from one European country to the next. We match you, free of charge, with a lawyer who handles traffic offences in the relevant country, so you understand the charge and your options before the penalty is set.
- Specialist traffic law lawyers
- Advice across the EU & EEA
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
A single offence can carry more than a fine — and the clock is often short
Traffic offences are among the most common legal matters in Europe, and the most commonly misunderstood. A speeding ticket in one country may be a fixed fine, while in another the same speed triggers points, a court appearance or a driving ban. Offences range from minor infractions — parking, a blown headlight — to more serious conduct such as excessive speeding, running a red light, using a phone while driving, or failing to stop. For drivers who cross borders, the picture is even more complex: penalty points, fines and licence consequences can follow you from one country to another under EU rules. Deadlines to respond or appeal are frequently short, and ignoring a notice rarely makes it disappear. Because losing a licence can affect work and daily life, getting advice early from a lawyer who knows the specific country’s system is often decisive.
Why drivers get caught out
Traffic rules feel universal.
Their consequences are anything but.
Short deadlines, cross-border points and licence penalties make a small offence a real risk when mishandled.
Short, missed deadlines
Many countries give a narrow window to pay, contest or appeal a traffic notice. Missing it can turn a fine into a default judgment, added points or even a licence suspension.
Cross-border confusion
An offence committed abroad can come back as points or a ban at home under EU rules. Drivers often learn about the consequences only after the original deadline has passed.
Points that accumulate silently
Individual fines seem small, but accumulated points can cross a threshold and trigger a ban. Without tracking them and contesting where possible, a licence can be lost by surprise.
What you get
A traffic law lawyer who handles your country’s system
We only match you with lawyers who regularly deal with traffic offences and licence matters in the relevant jurisdiction.
Charge and penalty reviewed
Your lawyer checks the notice, the offence and the penalty that has been proposed, and tells you whether it is correct and what it actually means for your licence and your record.
Deadlines managed
Appeal windows and response deadlines are identified and met on your behalf, so you do not lose your right to contest simply because time ran out.
Appeals and mitigation
Where a fine, points or a ban can be challenged or reduced, your lawyer builds the case and represents you before the relevant authority or court.
Licence protection
For offences that threaten your licence — and with it your job or mobility — your lawyer works to avoid or reduce a suspension wherever the law allows.
Coverage
Traffic offence lawyers across Europe
Traffic rules and penalties are set nationally, so the right lawyer practises in the country where the offence occurred. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Traffic offences — common questions
What should I do when I receive a traffic fine abroad?
Do not ignore it. Read the notice carefully, note the deadline for payment or appeal, and seek advice from a lawyer in the country where the offence occurred. Ignoring a notice can lead to a default penalty, added points or enforcement at home.
Can points from another country affect my licence?
Yes, in many cases. Under EU rules, points and certain penalties for offences committed abroad can be transferred to your home country and applied to your record. A lawyer can advise how this works for your specific situation.
How long do I have to appeal a traffic offence?
The deadline to contest or appeal varies by country and by the type of offence, and is often quite short — sometimes only a matter of days or weeks. Checking the notice immediately and acting within the stated window is essential.
Can a lawyer help reduce a speeding penalty?
Potentially. A lawyer can check that the penalty was correctly calculated and that procedures were followed, and may be able to challenge the charge or argue for a reduction. The options depend on the country and the circumstances.
What happens if I ignore a traffic notice?
Ignoring a notice rarely makes it go away. In many countries it leads to a decision in your absence, a higher fine, points, or a driving ban, and the penalty may later be enforced in your home country.
What is the difference between a fine and a criminal traffic offence?
Most minor traffic matters are administrative and carry a fine or points, while more serious conduct — such as dangerous driving or driving while disqualified — can be a criminal offence with heavier penalties. The line varies by country.
Free case review
Act before the deadline closes
Tell us about the notice you received and we’ll connect you with a traffic law lawyer in the relevant country — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.