Monique

This is a crossthread from the OT and 993 forums.

On 8th of Feb, we received a speeding ticket dating back to last May 17th!! Doh!! (8 months and 3 weeks after the fact) I was in N. Italy at the time so it is plausible.

My questions are:

1. Is there a time limit for issue of speeding tickets in Italy?
2. Given the interesting driving habits of the Italian gentry, it is always safer to "go with the flow". Not a valid reason for speeding but nonetheless a safer alternative on I roads.
3. The fine is excessive = Euros 148 for 18 kmh above the speed limit. 118 in 100 zone.
4. Is there evidence Italian police discriminate against foreign plates?
5. What if we elect not to pay the fine? What are the repercussions in the EU?

Anyone with concrete experience please speak up.

kris

Jean-Pierre,

Perhaps you can get in contact with some Italian Rennlisters to find out.
https://rennlist.com/forums/search.php?searchid=259958

Monique

Thank you Kris, I'll look into it.

jenskleis

Hi Monique,

As far as I know, the Italians are quite strict with speeding and, like the Austrians, they like to generate easy revenue by catching speeding foreigners coming out of their mountain tunnels. Here in Switzerland the fines are staggering, so one is always looking out for radars.

Also, if you get caught in Italy they will make you pay on the spot, so have cash or your credit card ready.

Finally, don't forget to have a flurescent west in the car. (Can be bought at most petrol stations). It is mandatory emergency equipment in some European countries, among those Spain and Italy.

Take care

Monique

Thankk you Jens.

I hate being f%^&*# without getting kissed first.

It was soooo long ago too. 8 months and 3 weeks... hell, this is not a pregnancy!

l3sl13

At least you only got a fine...

I bought my car in Northern Italy and when I went over to collect it after having it prepared I was stopped by the caribinieri on a Sunday who impounded my car because I was not displaying my insurance in a small wallet along with the road tax (bollo). The fact that the car had been purchased by an English man and that I had the documents demonstrating it was going back to the UK the next day with me meant jack.

48 hours later they let me have the car back when it became evident that they couldn't book me with anything which meant I missed my ferry booking.

jenskleis

Jean-Pierre,

Re your question about how likely the Italians are to come after you if you don't pay, I guess you will not wake up with a horses' head in your bed.

However, I once tried to flee a ticket from Denmark and after God knows how long, I was tracked down by an international collection agency. That was a very expensive experience.

Take care

Monique

But Jens, you are Swiss. The world loves to pick on you

CraigyB

A good tip I heard from a German friend of mine who was posted in Italy during his National Service for the army was to buy a local newspaper and leave it on the dashboard. That way they think you are an ex-pat and go easy on you. His opinion was that the police there look out for foreign plates.

jenskleis

Hi Jean-Pierre,

Actually, I am Danish but live in Swizerland.

So, here people pick on me for being a foreigner, and in Denmark they give me a hard time because they think I'm Swiss!!

It will be interesting to see what happens when I move to Madrid, Spain next week...

Take care

Monique

You are one lucky Dane Jens. In DK there is probably not one single Porsche... due to your taxes.

Keep smiling... BTW, I am Canadian living in NL. See a parallel?

jenskleis

Yes Jean-Pierre, I do consider myself lucky. The price I paid for my wonderful C4 would not even get me a Golf 1.6 in Denmark!!!

180% tak on cars plus 25% VAT makes a new 911 cost more than many Danes spend on buying their house. Madness!!!

But, I do miss the Danish pastry...