Same experiences here on the Tollroute near Metz. 100 allowed, 45,- for 103... In Dutch language!
Are they F* mad!?!? 45,- for 3 kmh which I still debate, cause I had my car on cruise control.
But according to the same international EU law, we can ask the French police to provide proof, including calibration reports from the equipment used to measure the 'violation'. I have done so, insuring that the costs of labour was at least 3x as high as my penalty. *evil* And that same EU law has confirmed, I can submit an objection in my own language (Dutch). So the French police department of Metz was also tasked with the translation.
It seems the French police has an extra radar for foreign plates. Easy cashing!
And its not on it selves, have been told many similar stories by colleges and friends who came back from their holidays in France.
All for minor 'alleged' traffic violations. I thought the Dutch (my own country) where mad regarding traffic penalties.
I travel a lot through Europe and France has been the only country till so far, where I received traffic penalties.
No offence, I love France and every time I visit the country I am pleasantly surprised by its stunning and diverse landscape, hospitality, wines and food, but a country which develops non-explainable regulations as reflective stickers on motorcycle helmets and obligatory alcohol breath testers... Seemingly, the Gendarme have nothing serious to do.
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Me thinks they have enough other (more important) issieus to deal with.