driving- fixed penalty fine- how contest?

Hi. I just moved to the New Territories and on my first day of driving by myself I got a fixed penalty fine and 3 points on my license. Unfortunately, I got lost in Hang Hau and accidently crossed a double white line. I admit that I did make a mistake, but there was absolutely no traffic around me (light had turned red behind me). I panicked a bit because I thought I was heading towards a tunnel road, my 2 year old was screaming in her carseat and I just wanted to pull over to get my bearings and wits back, but the cop who stopped me had no sympathy at all and wouldn't give me a warning considering that this was my first offense. A friend told me it is possible to contest a fixed penalty notice. Has anyone ever done this and if so, any suggestions on how to word the appeal letter? Thanks!

I think you were unlucky with the cop. We did the same many years ago in Central, got let off, and I stopped in a bus stop once with double yellow lines to drop someone off, got stopped by a policeman but again let off with a 'don't do it again'.

Really don't know if you can contest it. The points only stay on your licence for 2 years.

Agree with Beancurd; you will not win and the hassle is a lot.


Ultimately you "violated" the traffic law, regardless of the mitigating circumstances. The police needed to let you off with just a warning. But since he issued the penalty rather than just a warning, the judge will uphold the penalty since you admit violating the law. The judge may excercise some discretion in reducing the penalty amount, however the points will remain, and you will still be guilty.


Best to pay the fine, and be careful. If stopped in the future, hope for a more lenient police officer.