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Anybody ever get a European driving ticket in the mail?


US/UK-Diablo
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Today I got a driving (not parking) violation from Italy (I was there in early June) for apparently driving on a road that was meant for public transportation only. It was sent via signed return receipt but my mailman just dropped it in my mailbox I assume because he had no idea what to do with it as it was all in Italian. The fine appears to be about 110 Euros.

 

I don't plan on being back in Italy for at least a few years.

 

Not to be a dick but if I don't pay it just what could they do?

 

The point here is not to save $150 but just what if I don't pay it what would happen.

 

Or the next time I go back to Europe should I plan on being arrested and deported back to Italy to spend several years of hard labor in a dingy Sicilian prison having to survive on gruel and Cholera laced water?

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When you try to enter Italy again your Passport will be flagged and you’ll have to pay a bigger fee, if you were driving a rental car the rental company may give your credit card info to the authorities.

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They used to be able to of nothing but it depends what the treaty between countries says UK one just changed that they can pursue you, i would suspect if it is US then you can just ignore it. if it was a hire car they will have your passport details though so it could potentially get flagged if you go back anytime soon, although i have only ever heard of this happening in Switzerland.

 

I would assume a google search will probably tell you the answer to the question if no one here has any direct experience.

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If its a rental car they should just come after you. Had that happen in Oslo and Iceland and then rental company paid the fine then sent me the bill $400 later for blowing through a toll that I didn't have the proper currency for.

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I only know what the US does. In the US the state the violation occurred in will create a driver license number in your name. They'll suspend that license. So when you are pulled over in the US. The police will see you have an "American" license in suspension. Depending on the state and if they belong to the interstate traffic block. You could be charged with driving while suspended. A misdemeanor charge and usually requires a criminal court appearance to clear up. You could also be arrested and taken too jail. I know when Canadians are suspended in the USA. The border hauls you in and calls in the local county Sheriff. They'll ticket you. You wont be able to drive your car. Including back too Canada. So here in North America. They tend to go the toss the book at you for not paying fines route......... New York and Ontario have an agreement to suspend Ontario drivers in Ontario for not paying tickets in New York. So you might want to check with your home licensing department. To see if they have similar deals over the pond.

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