How can I object to a traffic fine subsequently when I didn&#39;t know the formalities?
<p>On a recent visit to Belgium, I was fined for an alleged traffic offence as a pedestrian. In brief, I didn't notice an order by hand signal, because it was given outside my field of view. I doubt that the fine was justified.</p>

<p>Belgian police made me pay on the spot. They're entitled to do this because I'm not living in their country. </p>

<p>Before I paid the fine, I told the policeman that I didn't agree and would complain about the fine. He replied, "you pay, then you can complain". </p>

<p>What he didn't tell me was that I would have had to file a formal complaint immediately to turn the fine into some kind of deposit and reserve the right to object. I was informed about this subtlety only when I wrote to the police office a few days later from home. </p>

<p>When the policeman had handed me the payment receipt, I asked him if there was anything else, and he said we were finished. In his favour, I assume he simply forgot about my intent to complain. </p>

<p>Is there anything I could do to object and have the case reviewed?</p>

<p>I should add that, although I had to pay a considerable amount (174 euro), it probably won't pay off to hire a lawyer. </p>

<p>Thanks for any helpful replies.</p>

<p>(Admins, feel free to move this question to 'travel' or wherever it fits best.)</p>

<h2><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignorantia_juris_non_excusat" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Ignorantia juris non excusat</a></h2>

<p>What do you mean you "didn't know"? Its your duty to inform yourself of all the laws that apply to you at all times and in all jurisdictions.</p>

<p>While this is a practical absurdity, it is fundamental to the rule of law - otherwise people could get away with murder because they "didn't know" killing people was illegal.</p>

<p>Unfortunately for you, if there is a strict time limitation on appealing the fine then you are subject to it even if you didn't know. Oh, and a police officer (or anyone else) is not obliged to tell you what the law is.</p>

traffic belgium