Traffic fine — An Garda Síochána · Ireland

Direct answer

Check three things: is it real (fines come by post from the authority, never by SMS asking for card details), were you the driver (in most countries the keeper must name the driver or pay), and the deadline to pay at the reduced rate or to object. Objections go to the issuing authority — An Garda Síochána — Fixed Charge Processing Office (garda.ie) for Ireland. A fine from another EU country is real and enforceable across borders for the main offences; you can still object in that country, usually in its language or English. Road Safety Authority (RSA) / NCT appeals (0818 506 080) confirms whether a vehicle query came from a foreign authority; Legal Aid Board / FLAC (0818 615 200) advises on a licence at risk.

Call firstAn Garda Síochána — Fixed Charge Processing Office

Report toRoad Safety Authority (RSA) / NCT appeals

If that failsLegal Aid Board / FLAC

🗣️ What to say

"I object to fine [number] of [date] concerning vehicle [plate]. [I was not the driver: the driver was …] / [The measurement is contested because …] / [The notice was served after the legal deadline]. Please send the evidence (photo, calibration certificate) and suspend enforcement until you decide."

🪜 Step by step

Real or scam?Official fines cite a law, an offence code and an account; scams want a card link. Verify on the authority's portal.
Driver or keeper?If someone else drove, name them in the deadline; refusing can itself be an offence in some countries.
Ask for the evidencePhoto, device, calibration. It is your right and sometimes ends the case.
Object to An Garda Síochána — Fixed Charge Processing OfficeWithin the deadline, in writing. Foreign fine: to the foreign authority, with the same rights.
Points and licence: Legal Aid Board / FLACIf the fine carries points or a ban, legal advice is worth it before you accept.

📇 All contacts

An Garda Síochána — Fixed Charge Processing OfficePay or contest fixed charge notices, nominate the driverWithin 28 days of the notice🔗 www.garda.ie/en/roads-policing/fixed-charge-notices

Road Safety Authority (RSA) / NCT appealsVehicle registration, NCT, driving licencesInspection appeals and vehicle data📞 0818 506 080 🔗 www.rsa.ie

Legal Aid Board / FLACCivil legal aid on low income; free legal advice clinics (FLAC)When you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0818 615 200 🔗 www.legalaidboard.ie

District Court — small claimsClaims up to €2,000 without a solicitorWhen the other side is not a landlord under RTB rules🔗 www.courts.ie/small-claims

❓ Frequently asked

Can a foreign fine be enforced at home?

For speeding, red lights, drink-driving, phone use, seatbelt and a few more: yes, through the EU cross-border directive. Ignoring it does not make it go away.

A rental company charged me an admin fee

They can pass on the fine and a reasonable fee if the contract says so; dispute an unreasonable fee with the consumer body.

Do foreign points count?

Points stay in the country that issued them; a ban imposed abroad applies there. Serious offences can be reported home.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

“speeding fine from abroad Ireland”
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🧭 Is this still correct?

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📸 I received a speeding or traffic fine — including one from another EU country — what can I do?