Fines when driving abroad
Renting a car gives you the freedom to discover the best spots at your destination. But keep in mind that traffic rules often differ from those at home, which means there’s a chance you might get a traffic ticket. What happens if you get fined abroad, how is payment handled, and what should you watch out for? Here’s what you need to know.
What happens if you get a ticket with your rental car
When you commit a traffic violation, the local authorities send the ticket to the owner of the rental car – the local rental company. They then match the ticket to you as the renter. Rental companies charge an administrative fee for this process, the amount of which varies by company and is listed in the rental terms. If you receive multiple tickets, the administrative fee will be charged each time.
In most cases, these fees are charged directly to the credit card you used for the security deposit. At some locations, you’ll receive the ticket by email directly from the rental location, in which case both the fine and the admin fee will be charged to your card immediately.
How you receive the ticket at home
The administrative fee is often charged quickly, but the actual ticket usually arrives later. First, the rental company receives the information, then the authorities reissue the ticket in your name. This process can take several months, and there’s nothing you need to do while you wait. By law, foreign tickets can be sent to your home address up to a year after the violation occurred.
What to watch for with foreign tickets
Tickets are always issued by official authorities and sent by post. If you receive a digital letter, be sure to check the sender and verify its authenticity. A legitimate ticket always includes:
your name and address
a description of the violation (including the legal reference)
the fine amount and any administrative costs
payment instructions and deadlines
the consequences of non-payment
contact details of the issuing authority, often including a website
If you’re unsure, contact the issuing authority directly and verify the information through their official website.
How to pay a ticket abroad
In many countries, paying quickly can save you money as some offer discounts for early payment. The ticket will state how and when you need to pay. Payment is often possible by credit card through a secure online portal or by scanning a QR code, ensuring a fast and error-free transaction.
⚠️ Important: once you’ve paid, you typically can’t contest the ticket. If you have doubts, contact the issuing authority before making any payment.
What happens if you don’t pay
If you neither pay nor contest the ticket, it becomes final. Within the European Union, an unpaid foreign ticket can eventually be collected by the Dutch CJIB (or your home country’s collection authority). You could even be listed in a law enforcement register, which means you might be required to pay on the spot if stopped by police or when crossing a border.
Specific rules by country
Each country sets its own fines. In some countries, they are much higher than in the Netherlands, and additional factors – such as construction zones or dangerous driving – can increase the amount. Italy is a well-known example: many cities have signs marked zona traffico limitato. Entering one of these restricted zones almost always results in a hefty fine.
Contesting a ticket
If you disagree with the ticket or you weren’t the driver, you can file an appeal. In many countries, the driver—not the vehicle owner—is held responsible. You may need to provide the actual driver’s details.
For serious violations, such as driving under the influence or causing an accident with injuries, a court case is usually required, and you must appear in person. In such cases, it’s wise to seek legal assistance.
