French speeding fines - is this normal? | Ask Honest John

French speeding fines - is this normal?

On 1 April 2013 we were stopped for speeding near Calais.

We went to the police station, my husband filled out forms, handed his license over and was told he would be banned but the gendarme was not sure for how long.

We were then escorted to a cashpoint and had to pay 150 euro fine, we have the receipt.

We were told his license would be sent back to his Irish embassy in London, as he is Irish and that's where we live.

After two months we contacted the embassy - they said this practice was not heard of. We contacted the DVLA and they agreed.

We then got a letter in French that my neighbour translated in July of 2013. Ban was for two months ending June 2013. It is now 1 March 2014, we have not rec the license back and today rec a letter in French asking for another 135 euro!
My neighbour is translating it again, is this normal practice?

Asked on 1 March 2014 by sarsmcgee

Answered by Honest John

Never heard of this before. But if the ban was for 2 months and they have not returned the licence you can legitimately use the lost licence facility and get a new photocard for £20. Takes about 4 days.

Tags: speeding

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