Fine ticket / minor offence (mandat)

A fine imposed by ticket for a minor offence. A motion to quash a final ticket must be filed with the court within 7 days.

The content of this page is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Your situation may require an individual assessment by a lawyer.

What is this letter?

A mandat is a fine imposed for a minor offence, e.g. by the police or municipal guard. A 'credited' ticket becomes final when you sign for it, and an in-absentia ticket (e.g. from a speed camera) — when the fine is paid. You may refuse to accept a ticket on the spot — the authority then files a motion with the court and the court decides the case.

What deadline applies?

7 daysfrom the day the letter is delivered

A final ticket can be quashed only exceptionally — among others where the fine was imposed for an act that is not an offence. The motion to quash is filed with the court within a strict 7-day deadline from the day the ticket became final (Art. 101 § 1 of the Code of Procedure in Minor Offence Cases). An in-absentia ticket must be paid within the deadline given in the instructions; otherwise the authority refers the case to court.

Legal basis: art. 101 § 1 KPSW

The deadline runs from the day the letter is delivered (received) — the delivery day itself does not count. Verify the delivery date with a lawyer: whether you make the deadline depends on it.

What happens if you ignore it?

An accepted but unpaid ticket goes to administrative enforcement — the tax office will collect the amount with costs added. Missing the 7-day deadline closes the path to quashing the ticket, even an evidently defective one. After refusing a ticket, expect a motion for punishment and a court hearing.

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Frequently asked questions

I accepted a ticket but believe it was unjustified. What can I do?

An accepted ticket generally cannot be 'appealed'. Quashing is possible only in the narrow cases of Art. 101 of the Code — e.g. where the act was not an offence — and the motion must reach the court within 7 days of the ticket becoming final. Consult an advocate quickly.

What happens if I refuse to accept the ticket?

The authority will file a motion for punishment and the case will be decided by a court in minor-offence proceedings. You may be acquitted, but the court may also impose a fine higher than the ticket — weigh the decision carefully.

I got a speed-camera notice — do I have to say who was driving?

The vehicle owner must indicate to whom they entrusted the vehicle; failing to do so is a separate offence (Art. 96 § 3 of the Minor Offences Code). If the situation is unclear, consult a lawyer before the deadline in the letter.

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Other official letters

Payment order (nakaz zapłaty)Demand for paymentStatement of claim (lawsuit served by the court)Summons from the tax officeLetter from a bailiff (seizure, start of enforcement)Termination of a lease agreementTermination of an employment contractWitness summonsNotice of the opening of administrative proceedings