Ireland

Can I dispute a fixed charge penalty notice?

28 days
Deadline to object
€80–€160
Typical fine range
s. 4
Road Traffic Act 2010
No court fee
Hearing request cost
The Short Answer

Yes, you can dispute a fixed charge penalty notice in Ireland by requesting a court hearing within 28 days of the notice issue date.

What the Law Says

The Road Traffic Act 2010 gives Gardaí the power to issue fixed charge penalty notices for certain road traffic offences — and sets out how you may challenge them.

Under section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, a fixed charge notice may be issued for specified offences like speeding, illegal parking, or failing to wear a seatbelt. The notice includes details of the alleged offence, the amount payable, and instructions on how to respond.

You have the right to dispute the notice by requesting a court hearing — but you must do so within 28 days of the date the notice was issued. If you don’t pay or object within that time, the amount increases by 50%, and further enforcement action may follow.

Importantly, choosing to go to court does not automatically mean you’ll be convicted — it simply allows you to present your case before a judge. There is no fee to request the hearing.

Statutory Text

A fixed charge notice may be issued in respect of an offence specified in the Schedule to this Act.

— Road Traffic Act 2010, s. 4 — Fixed charge notice

What to Do

1

Check the issue date on your fixed charge notice — you have exactly 28 days from that date to act.

2

Complete and return the ‘Request for Court Hearing’ form (included with the notice) or submit online via the Fixed Charge Processing Office.

3

Keep proof of your request (e.g., postage receipt or email confirmation).

4

Prepare any evidence (e.g., photos, witness statements, GPS logs) if you plan to attend the hearing.

5

Attend your scheduled court date — failure to appear may result in conviction in your absence.

Sources

statuteRoad Traffic Act 2010, s. 4 — Fixed charge notice

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.