Why you can contest a speeding fine when driving to Italy from France

Drivers who receive a speeding fine in Italy while travelling to or from France may be able to contest the offence, after reports revealed that fewer than 10% of the country’s speed cameras comply with regulations.

The findings of a recent survey of speed cameras throughout Italy have been released by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. They show that most devices fail to comply with current regulations governing the detection of speeding motorists.

“Out of 11,000 devices counted across the country, only 3,800 are properly set up,” said the transport minister, in a press release on January 31. “Of those, just over 1,000 have complied with the required standards since they came into force.” This now means that “fewer than one camera in 10 is properly compliant”.

These standards were established in 2024 in a ruling by the country’s high court. This stated that by order of the Ministry of the Interior, municipalities had two months to submit data and register irregular devices. Failure to comply would result in the devices being turned off and dismantled, with the fines issued through them being cancelled.

Assoutenti, the Italian national association for public service users, has said that fines are considered invalid if the issuing camera is “approved but not certified”, as defined by the ruling.

As a result, in many cases, speeding fines may be legally contested. Fines recorded and sent by non-compliant speed cameras may be considered void.

“The ministry's inventory is still incomplete and only covers devices registered by local authorities,” said Assoutenti in a statement on February 2, 2026. “Municipalities that have not provided the requested information will no longer be able to use these cameras to issue tickets.”

Italy has the largest number of speed cameras amongst all EU countries – and more than the UK – reportedly generating over €1.5 billion in revenue in 2024. 

This is around €750 million more than from French speed cameras in 2023, where there are fewer than half the number of Italy.

How can I contest a fine I received from Italy?

The association advises:

• Check the official register to see if the speeding device is compliant. Compliance can be seen in the ‘Note’ cell of the table. For example: ‘matricola attiva dal 22/01/2026’ means ‘registration number active from January 22, 2026’. ‘Estensione di approvazione 0000242 del 05/07/2018’ means ‘approval extension 0000242 of 05/07/2018’.

• File a report or complaint via Assoutenti, even if the fine has already been paid, or if you are not sure if the camera is approved and/or certified.

The European Consumer Centre advises people in France that your fine letter will generally explain how to contest it (usually on the website info.myfines.it or Babyloweb.eu) and tell you the ID number and other details that you will need.

Drivers warned to be cautious

The Assoutenti association also criticised the current situation, stating that it will lead to an increase in fine contestations, and “a climate of widespread mistrust”.

It warned drivers to remain cautious, and lamented that roads in Italy could become more unsafe if unscrupulous drivers feel “protected” from fines, and drive too fast as a result.

It comes after the new government legislation also required speed cameras in the country to be placed in locations that are easy to view for drivers, and where they are more likely to stop accidents (as opposed to places where they may generate more revenue).

In practice, this means they can no longer be partially hidden behind hedges, trees, etc, and must instead be placed in full view at the side of roads.

In addition, the presence of an upcoming speed camera must be signposted on the road, one kilometre ahead of its location. Cameras were also required to be more widely spaced out; at least one kilometre apart in urban areas and four kilometres apart in rural zones. Radars cannot be located within 500 metres of the entrance/exit to a built-up area.

The changes aimed to ensure that speed cameras would reduce accidents rather than simply raise revenue, by keeping speeds consistently low. 

Driving from France to Italy was disrupted for months last year due to the closure of the Mont Blanc tunnel for repairs; while last summer, drivers were warned to stay alert to automatic fines that can come from accidentally driving in restricted areas, and to be clear on how road rules may differ from country to country.