Fines, compensations and forfeitures imposed by the courts

Payment of a penalty imposed by a court

Pay the penalty imposed by the court without delay, using the bank transfer form provided by the court. Use the indicated reference number.

If you have not paid the penalty by the time it is transferred to the Legal Register Centre (LRC) for collection, we will send you a reminder for payment. Depending on the matter, the information can take anything from a few days to a few months to be conveyed to our debt-collection system and electronic service.

Pay the demand by the due date, or the matter will be moved to Enforcement Authority. The matter will then be managed by the Enforcement Authorities, and you will no longer be able to apply for payment time from the LRC. So be prompt!

A fine imposed by a court can be converted to imprisonment if not paid. Additional information on conversion sentences for unpaid fines.

Can I get more payment time?

You can apply for more time for paying the fine or other penalty when the matter is listed in the electronic service or the LRC has sent you a reminder for payment. Payment time will only be granted for a justified reason.

Read more about applying for and granting payment time.

Frequently asked questions

Why is there no due date on the bank transfer form given to me by the court?

The court gives the debtor the payment details for the sanction imposed. No due date is indicated on the bank transfer form, because the payment must be made immediately. This is your first opportunity of paying the penalty with the payment details given by the court.

I have appealed my sentence. How will the appeal affect the collection of fines and penalties?

The collection of a fine only begins when a final judgment has been issued. If you have appealed the judgment, collection of the fine will begin after the Court of Appeal's decision.

However, the collection of forfeiture and compensations can already be initiated based on a non-final District Court decision. Act on the Enforcement of Fines , section 2, subsection 3 (in Finnish)

How will I be notified of other monetary sanctions imposed by the courts?

The courts can also order the payment of other penalties and fees. The details of the amounts payable can be found in the judgment. The information is also available from the court's office.

Further information:

• Act on the Enforcement of Fines (672/2002) (in Finnish)