A fine order is a decision to impose a fine

A fine order is a fine given by a police officer, customs official, border guard or game and fisheries warden. It can also include other sanctions in addition to unit fines.

A fine order can be imposed for offences such as traffic offences or petty theft. The maximum amount of the fine order is 20 unit fines. The debtor's income affects the amount of the fine.

Forfeiture and the payment of a victim surcharge can also be ordered in connection with a fine order.

Paying a fine order

Pay the unit fines and possible fine increase, forfeiture and victim surcharge specified in the fine order by the due date. Use the reference number indicated in the fine order.

If you have not paid the fine and other penalties included with it by the due date, the Legal Register Centre (LRC) will send you a demand for payment.

Pay the demand by the due date, or the matter will be moved to enforcement. 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!

How can I appeal a fine order?

You can appeal against a fine order. Submit a written appeal to the district court of the place of the violation indicated in the fine order. Appeals must be lodged within 30 days of being served with the order. An appeal does not suspend enforcement unless the court orders it to be suspended.

If enforcement has not been suspended, pay the fine order by the due date.

You can pay the fine order in any event. If the fine order is amended or lifted due to your appeal, the LRC will refund the overpaid amount to the payer with the possible interest accumulated on it.

Can I get more payment time?

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

Read more about applying for and granting payment time.

Further information:

Act on the Imposition of Fines and Fixed Petty Fines (754/2010) (in Finnish)