How to Challenge a Traffic Ticket in Colombia

## The right to a hearing on traffic violations

Colombia's National Traffic Code (Law 769 of 2002 and its amendments) guarantees the right to challenge traffic tickets. You don't have to pay a fine you disagree with.

The deadlines you need to know

From the moment the ticket is served, there are two stages:

1. Voluntary-payment discount - Within the 5 business days following notice: 50% discount - Between day 6 and day 20: 25% discount

If you plan to challenge it, don't pay — payment means accepting the violation.

2. Hearing to present your defense - Within the 3 business days following notice, you must request a hearing before the traffic authority

Careful! If you let this deadline pass without requesting a hearing or paying, you lose the chance to challenge the ticket.

The challenge process

Hearing before the traffic authority You can attend in person or send a representative. Present your arguments and evidence.

Appeal If the ruling is unfavorable, you have 5 days to appeal to the superior of the official who decided the case.

Coercive collection process If you neither pay nor challenge the ticket, the traffic authority starts collection proceedings.

Common grounds for a successful challenge

• License-plate error: the ticket is for a plate different from your vehicle's
• Date or location error: the violation is impossible (you were somewhere else)
• Traffic sign not visible or poorly placed
• Missing signature of the traffic officer on the ticket
• Improperly filled-out ticket: required information is missing
• Photo-ticket without proper notice: if you weren't notified within the legal deadline
• Vehicle reported stolen at the time of the violation

Photo-tickets: special rules

Violations detected by traffic cameras have specific rules: - They must be served on the owner within 6 business days - The notice must include the photograph or video of the violation - If there's no photo or notice isn't given in time, the ticket can be challenged

When does it make sense to just pay?

If the violation is undeniable, paying within 5 days with the 50% discount can be cheaper than the time and cost of challenging it.

Do you have a traffic ticket you think is unfair or has errors? We can tell you whether you have valid grounds to challenge it and guide you through the process.

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