Offences and penalties
Minor offences, serious offences, fines, suspension, retention: understanding the scale of road penalties.
Updated 13 June 2026
Two main categories of offences
The Highway Code distinguishes two types of offences. Contraventions are the least serious: they necessarily incur a fine and possibly a point deduction (1 to 6). Serious offences (délits) are more severe, often linked to injuries caused to others or deliberately dangerous behaviour. Any serious offence automatically results in a 6-point deduction, heavy fines and potentially imprisonment.
Contravention = less serious offence (fine, possible point deduction). Serious offence = grave infraction (6-point deduction, heavy fine, possible imprisonment).
The five classes of contraventions
Contraventions are classified into 5 classes, from the least serious (1st) to the most serious (5th). The higher the class, the larger the fine. For example: 1st class, fixed fine of 11 or 17 euros. 2nd class: 35 euros. 3rd class: 68 euros. 4th class: 135 euros. 5th class: up to 1,500 euros, or 3,000 for repeat offences.
The fine amount also varies depending on the payment deadline. If you pay quickly, you benefit from the reduced fine (discounted rate). If you exceed the fixed fine deadline, the amount increases: this is the increased fine.
The deadlines for the reduced fine depend on how the offence was recorded: 3 days if the report was handed over by the officer on site, 15 days if sent later, 30 days for an automated speed camera.
The four major road offences
Hit and run involves failing to stop after causing an accident. Penalty: 3 years' imprisonment and a 75,000-euro fine (7 years and 100,000 euros in the case of a fatal accident). Failure to stop when ordered by law enforcement: 1 year's imprisonment and a 7,500-euro fine, rising to 5 years and 75,000 euros if others are endangered.
Failure to assist a person in danger concerns anyone, driver or mere witness, who does not help someone in peril when they could do so without risk to themselves. Calling the emergency services is sufficient to fulfil this obligation. Endangering the life of others consists of exposing others to a risk of injury or death through non-compliance with the rules.
Do not confuse hit and run (leaving the scene of an accident) with failure to comply (not stopping when ordered by law enforcement). The penalties are different.
The three types of liability
Criminal liability makes you subject to fines, point deductions and imprisonment for the offences you commit. Civil liability obliges you to compensate victims if you are responsible for an accident. Financial liability designates you as responsible for offences committed with your vehicle, unless you prove you were not driving.
Penalties relating to the licence
Retention is the most immediate measure: law enforcement physically confiscates the licence for a maximum of 72 hours, typically after a positive test for alcohol, drugs or speeding by more than 40 km/h. Administrative suspension is issued by the prefect for a maximum of 6 months. Judicial suspension is decided by a judge for a maximum of 3 years, or 5 years in the case of manslaughter or unintentional injury.
Retention = 72 hours max (police). Administrative suspension = 6 months max (prefect). Judicial suspension = 3 to 5 years max (judge).
Supplementary penalties
Beyond fines and point deductions, the judge may impose additional penalties: vehicle confiscation (in the case of driving without a licence, repeat drink-driving above 0.80 g/l, drugs or excessive speeding), obligation to attend an awareness course, or obligation to undergo rehabilitation treatment.
Vehicle immobilisation may also be ordered after a positive test for alcohol or drugs, or when the driver does not hold a licence. It is lifted if a qualified driver, proposed by the offender, can take the wheel.
Recap
- Contravention: minor offence, classified into 5 classes (fine from 11 to 1,500 euros).
- Serious offence: grave infraction automatically resulting in a 6-point deduction, with possible fine and imprisonment.
- Paying quickly allows you to benefit from the reduced fine (discounted rate).
- The 4 major offences: hit and run, failure to comply, failure to assist a person in danger, endangering others.
- Retention = 72 hours max. Administrative suspension = 6 months max. Judicial suspension = 3 to 5 years max.
- Vehicle confiscation is possible in the case of driving without a licence or serious repeat offending.
- Three liabilities: criminal (penalties), civil (compensation), financial (offences with one's vehicle).
Test yourself
What is the fixed fine for a 4th class contravention?
- ○68 euros
- ○90 euros
- ✓135 euros
- ○175 euros
Correct answer : 135 euros
Hit and run is punished by:
- ✓3 years' imprisonment and a 75,000-euro fine
- ○1 year's imprisonment and a 7,500-euro fine
- ○6 months' imprisonment and a 3,750-euro fine
- ○5 years' imprisonment and a 15,000-euro fine
Correct answer : 3 years' imprisonment and a 75,000-euro fine
Sources: Sécurité routière (securite-routiere.gouv.fr) and service-public.fr.