18 Traffic violations

Under Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, it is the duty of all persons who enjoy privileges and immunities under the Convention to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State.

When missions or their personnel incur fines for violations of traffic regulations, they are expected to pay such fines. Any failure to pay a fine will be reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, either by the municipal parking authorities (for parking fees) or by the police. The Ministry will then raise the question of unsettled fines directly with the mission involved.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not normally deal with complaints or appeals relating to traffic violations. Such complaints or appeals should be directed to the body or authority that issued the fine, in accordance with its complaints/appeals procedure.