Got a letter from traffic police yesterday with a photo from a speed camera. I was doing 60 instead of 50, that's barely anything. Want to know the exact fine amount and whether I can contest it if the camera got the measurement wrong?
Best bet is to check the website of your regional traffic police right away - the fine amount is listed there and it really does change. As for contesting it: cameras have a certain margin of error that's factored into the GOST standard, but you can only dispute the fine if you have solid grounds (like the camera's maintenance is overdue or the photo doesn't correctly read the plate). Just claiming you were "a little over" won't help - in the traffic code, 10 km/h over the limit is already a violation with no exceptions.
I've run into this more than once - cameras catch you constantly, and yeah, even 10 km/h over the limit counts as a violation, no exceptions. I can't give you an exact fine amount because the numbers change and it depends on the region, but it's not huge money - definitely cheaper than an accident. The main thing to know: a letter from traffic police isn't a final judgment. It should have your rights and appeals procedures listed in it.
As for contesting it: cameras can definitely make mistakes, but you need to prove it specifically. If you want to appeal, request the case materials - high-quality photos from the camera, maintenance records for that radar, the measurement protocol. A lot of fines get dismissed precisely because the camera failed inspection or there wasn't enough distance between the road markings. Without these materials, appealing is pointless, but with them you've got a shot.
In practice, people often just pay - it's simpler and faster. But if you're confident the camera could malfunction, it's worth trying. Contact traffic police in writing and ask them to provide all documents related to your case - that's your right.
Don't rush to pay and close the notice right away - better figure out what's what first. Speed cameras do have an acceptable margin of error, usually a few km/h, and in some regions a violation is only recorded if the overage exceeds that margin. But the letter from the traffic police should specify the measurement accuracy and what acceptable error applies to this particular equipment.
When an acquaintance of mine had a similar situation with 8 km/h overage in a residential area, he requested documents on the camera's maintenance and its calibration certificate from the traffic police. Turned out this specific device had a margin of error of plus or minus 5 km/h, and the fine was eventually cancelled. Sure, it took time and involved going around to different offices, but it was worth it.
First, check the exact fine amount on your regional traffic police website - it varies by location. Then, if you want to contest it, demand copies of all documents on the camera's technical condition and equipment certificates from the traffic police office. If the camera's margin of error is comparable to your overage, you have grounds to file a complaint. The main thing is don't drag your feet - the deadline for contesting is limited.
By law, camera error margins are taken into account, and with a 10 km/h overage, that margin might be enough to challenge the ticket - it's really worth checking what the acceptable error is in your region and the camera's technical documentation 😊 But here's what matters: if you don't contest the fine within the set timeframe (usually 10 days from when you get the ticket), it'll be way harder later, even if the camera was wrong. So don't put it off - file a complaint with the traffic police or court right away while there's still time, and attach materials about the measurement error.
What region are you in? It matters because the fines really do vary.
The main thing people usually overlook: even if you contest the ticket and win, it takes time and effort. You'll have to gather documents, write complaints, possibly go in for an inspection. A lot of people just pay because the amount isn't big enough to sue over. But if you're confident you're right, then yeah, instrument error is a real argument. Each region has its own acceptable margin of error, so first thing you should do is check with the traffic police or their website. You'll find the exact fine for your situation there too.
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