DILV
Contraventional law
Lawyer for appealing traffic fines
Administrative Law
Receiving a traffic citation does not automatically mean you have to pay the fine. Citations often contain procedural errors, errors of fact, or errors in the determination of the penalty, which can lead to their annulment in court. We provide legal representation in appeals against traffic citations for clients throughout Romania.
Which fines can be contested
Traffic fines
Speeding, illegal parking, failure to obey traffic signs, using a cell phone while driving, and failure to wear a seatbelt. Traffic citations are frequently successfully challenged on procedural grounds: the issuing officer lacked jurisdiction, the conditions for using measuring devices were not met, or the citation does not contain the required information.
ANPC Fines Consumer Protection
Penalties imposed on merchants by the National Authority for Consumer Protection may be challenged if the facts have not been proven, if the penalty is disproportionate to the severity of the offense, or if procedural rules were violated when the report was drawn up.
Fines from the Labor Inspectorate
Penalties imposed on employers by the Regional Labor Inspectorate for failing to report employees, non-compliance with safety regulations, and lack of required documentation. We verify the legality of the citation and file an appeal when warranted.
Tax fines and fines from the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF)
Administrative penalties imposed by tax inspectors for failure to comply with record-keeping obligations, improper use of tax receipts, and failure to file returns. This is distinct from appeals against tax assessment notices, which follow a specific tax procedure.
Fines in other areas
Penalties imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Public Health Directorate, the Emergency Situations Inspectorate, local authorities, the Competition Council, or any other authority with the power to issue administrative penalties. The legal framework for challenging such penalties is the same—Law 180/2002—regardless of the issuing authority.
Common reasons for the dismissal of a report
Courts routinely overturn traffic violation citations for:
- Omission or incorrect completion of required information in the minutes
- Inaccurate or insufficient description of the act
- Lack of territorial or subject-matter jurisdiction on the part of the investigating officer
- Irregularities in the use or approval of measuring instruments
- Penalty imposed at the maximum amount without justification of aggravating factors
- Statute of limitations for administrative liability
- Non-existent or unverifiable witness
Time limit for filing an appeal and procedure
The report may be challenged within 15 days of notification by filing an administrative complaint with the competent court.
Do not pay the fine before consulting a lawyer; payment does not stop the appeal, but it may be interpreted as an admission of guilt under certain circumstances.
Schedule a consultation
Did you get a ticket and want to contest it? Tell us what happened.
Monday–Friday · including online consultations for clients living abroad
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it worth contesting a small fine?
It depends on the amount of the fine and the circumstances. There are also matters of principle; a history of traffic violations may be a factor in certain professions or situations. We quickly assess whether there are valid grounds for contesting the fine.
If I’ve signed the report, can I still contest it?
Yes. Signing the report confirms receipt, not an admission of guilt. You can contest the report regardless of whether you signed it or not.
What happens if I don't pay the fine and don't appeal it?
The fine becomes enforceable and may be enforced.
Can I appeal a traffic ticket I received in another city?
Yes. Jurisdiction lies with the court in the place where the offense was committed or at the offender’s place of residence; you may choose whichever court is more convenient.
