Contesting Traffic Fines

If you violate traffic regulations, you are likely to encounter two types of traffic fines in Estonia: warning fines and impact fines.

Warning fine is issued when the violation is recorded by an automated traffic monitoring system or a public official who could not immediately identify the driver of the vehicle. The violation is captured in a photograph or other digital format.

Impact fine is issued under a simplified procedure when a law enforcement officer stops a vehicle at the scene of a traffic violation and immediately issues a fine to the driver. This applies to offenses such as speeding, driving under the influence, or driving without a valid license.

Our specialist for contesting traffic fines:

We Provide Legal Assistance With the Following Fines:

• Parking violations;
• Speeding;
• General traffic violations;
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Driving without a valid license;
• And other traffic-related offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can a traffic fine be contested? Who can file the appeal?

Yes, any person against whom a fine is imposed has the right to appeal. The appeal deadline is usually indicated in the decision document. The chances of success depend on the factual circumstances — whether the offense occurred, whether the severity was correctly assessed, and whether the penalty was proportionate.

On what grounds can a fine be overturned?

A fine can be canceled if no offense was committed, the violation was incorrectly recorded, or procedural errors were made by the issuing authority.

Can payment of the fine be postponed? On what basis?

Filing an appeal effectively suspends the enforcement of the fine until a final decision is made.

Can the fine be paid in installments?

Yes. You must notify the competent authority before the decision becomes final. The authority determines the payment schedule and terms.

Can the fine amount be reduced? Are there mitigating factors?

Fines must be proportionate to the offense. If the penalty is clearly disproportionate, there are legal grounds to file a complaint requesting reduction.

What happens if the fine is not paid?

Unpaid fines result in enforcement proceedings, during which additional costs may be added (e.g. bailiff’s fees). The fine must be paid by the deadline stated in the final decision to avoid these consequences.

Is there a statute of limitations on fines? Can I just “wait it out”?

Attempting to delay payment can lead to enforced collection. The statute of limitations depends on the type of proceeding. If the decision was not appealed, it becomes enforceable and collection can proceed under the enforcement law.

Who pays the fine if the offender is under 18?

Legal responsibility lies with the minor’s legal representatives — parents or court-appointed guardians.

What if the fine was issued by mistake?

You may challenge the fine by proving that the accused person did not commit the offense. Evidence must be gathered and submitted as part of the appeal.