Speeding - Payment of Fines
I am still not convinced about the legitimacy of the system in rural Austria. Whilst travelling in a car in Lower Austria, we were pulled over - I was a passenger in my friend's car, and had to interpret for him, and was told he was doing 76km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The policeman wanted cash or a credit card to settle the fine immediately, although I requested payment via bank transfer - this was apparently not an option. I said that we would gladly settle in cash - the original €35 fine soon became €20 as soon as I requested a receipt - and he quipped that he was doing this so we didn't think he was going to pocket the cash himself. Somewhat strangely, he did not request to see any documentation about the car (insurance papers should be carried at all times!), and all he noted was the car registration number, and nothing about personal ID. I would always advise people to request a...
