What is a Majoration under French Traffic Law?\n\nIn the French traffic system (Code de la route), the term majoration refers to a financial penalty or surcharge. It is applied under two primary circumstances: unpaid traffic violations and auto insurance premiums. If you receive a ticket (amende forfaitaire) and do not pay it within the statutory period, the state increases the fine to an amende majorée. In insurance, a majoration is a premium surcharge applied under the Bonus-Malus system (Coefficient de Réduction-Majoration) following an at-fault accident.\n\n## Traffic Fine Timelines: Minorée, Forfaitaire, and Majorée\n\nFrench traffic infractions follow a strict progression of deadlines. Understanding these three tiers is a key part of the driving theory exam:\n- Amende Minorée (Reduced Fine): A discounted rate applied if you pay the fine quickly—usually within 15 days of receiving the notice (extended to 30 days for online payments).\n- Amende Forfaitaire (Standard Fine): The standard flat rate, which must be paid within 45 days (extended to 60 days for online or automated phone payments).\n- Amende Majorée (Surcharges Applied): If no payment is received within 45 days (or 60 days online), the fine enters the majoration phase, and a much higher demand notice is sent.\n\n## The Cost of Late Ticket Payments\n\nThe financial penalty for missing a deadline is steep. Surcharges vary based on the classification of the traffic violation. For example, a minor Class 2 infraction (such as standard disruptive parking) has a standard fine of €35, which increases to a majorated fine of €75. A more serious Class 4 infraction (such as speeding, running a red light, or dangerous parking) has a standard fine of €135, which surges to a majorated €375 if unpaid. These hefty increases are designed to encourage drivers to settle their penalties promptly.\n\n## How Insurance Surcharges (Bonus-Malus) Work\n\nIn France, majoration also applies to the car insurance Coefficient de Réduction-Majoration (CRM), commonly called the Bonus-Malus system. Your insurance premium is multiplied by this coefficient, which starts at 1.00 for new drivers. For every year you drive without an at-fault accident, you receive a 5% discount (your coefficient is multiplied by 0.95). However, if you cause an accident, you receive a 25% majoration (your coefficient is multiplied by 1.25). Partially responsible accidents result in a 12.5% increase. If you are a novice driver, insurers may also apply a temporary risk surcharge (surprime) of up to 100% in your first year.\n\n## Common Exam Traps and Practical Tips\n\nA frequent trap on the French theory test involves address changes. If you move and fail to update your vehicle registration certificate (carte grise) within 30 days, any traffic ticket notices will be sent to your old address. The payment deadlines still run, meaning the fine will increase to an amende majorée without your knowledge. You will remain legally liable for the increased fine, and you can also be fined for having an outdated registration certificate. Always ensure your administrative details are updated immediately to avoid these unexpected surcharges.