Hi I just received a ticket notice from Corpo Di Polizia Municipale DI Firenze, for a alleged violation dated in April 2012. It has a web site and states per international agreement they can do administrative actions and charge extra expenses. The dates appear right and I checked the car, and picture shows the car but nothing to corroborate the violation (stated I was in a public lane). also stated it has delegated to some outsourcing italian firm for matter related to collection. They want 180 Euro's. Is there a statute of limitations, what is ability to do something legal here in US? I am feeling scammed? Don't remember this at all and never got notice. thanks and any advise is appreciated.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Actually, if you check your credit card statements, you'll find an administrative fee from the rental agency too. They charge you to pass along your contact info to the authorities (per the rental agreement). That is usually how people know they are about to get a ticket. That it is several years late is not unusual for Florence.
Florence, like most Italian cities, has very restrictive regulations on driving in city centers. ZTLs are car free zones unless you have authorization. A bus lane may have been your violation.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7803 posts
Several people have posted similar situations, especially around Florence. Here's a site for reference:
http://www.bella-toscana.com/traffic_violations_italy.htm#.V2n2u5gUWM8
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16538 posts
But wow, over 4 years after the fact? Is is possible you missed a previous notice?
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I agree four years ago seems ridiculous. To our knowledge we did not get any notice other than this mail message. I am also planning to pay but really concerned with doing it by CC or bank draft as they request and would prefer western union. Any one thoughts on how to pay and not see info compromised? Thanks for all the feedback and I know I am not alone.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
We have also considered not paying and waiting till it gets to more secure or US company I can trust to pay. We're retired and not really concerned with any indicators on my credit. Want to do right thing but this just feels bad to address four years later and by means of payment I don't want to use?
Posted by
5 posts
Wow, i know that Firenze is full of Police and they have no mercy but hey, 4 years after? I would consider not paying them at all. Aren't any expiration dates of a ticket in europe?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
In this interconnected world of the internet this doesn't surprise me. There have been reports here and elsewhere of them using US based collection agencies. I believe it would be very difficult for a US collection agency to get a court judgement for the fine. BUT - that doesn't stop the agency from ding your credit reports. You say that is not important but it is since insurances companies and many others use credit reports for settings fees and premium levels. Even if you get it reject from the credit report it still is a big hassle.
From the description it sounds like you were driving in a bus lane or a restricted area.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Agree with Frank, I would never do something that would purposely affect your credit report.
Just pay it.