What will happen if I do not pay the penalty of ATAF bus in Florence
Aug 22nd, 2011, 01:13 AM
#21
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I may be wrong about Tweeny being American. However, this is an American website, and most posters are American. I would not have expected a posting like Tweeny's from another European, or from someone from Africa or Asia. There is just something about taking a risk and then being anxious about the consequences that indicates a young American.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 02:03 AM
#22
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From US Embassy website:
"Travelers must purchase bus tickets prior to boarding and validate them immediately after boarding. Tickets may be purchased at tobacco stores or kiosks. Failure to follow this procedure may result in an immediate fine imposed by an inspector on the bus. If the violator does not pay the fine on the spot, it will automatically double and will be forwarded to the violator’s home address.
Travelers can contest metro or bus fines by writing (in Italian) to the Customer Service office of the Transportation Company of the city where the violation occurred requesting they cancel the ticket within 30 days of notification of the fine. If the local Transportation Company rejects the request, travelers can file an appeal (in person or through a legal representative) through the Justice of Peace (Giudice di Pace) for that city. A list of English-speaking attorneys can be found at English speaking professionals. For a list of translators, please visit official translators."
"Travelers must purchase bus tickets prior to boarding and validate them immediately after boarding. Tickets may be purchased at tobacco stores or kiosks. Failure to follow this procedure may result in an immediate fine imposed by an inspector on the bus. If the violator does not pay the fine on the spot, it will automatically double and will be forwarded to the violator’s home address.
Travelers can contest metro or bus fines by writing (in Italian) to the Customer Service office of the Transportation Company of the city where the violation occurred requesting they cancel the ticket within 30 days of notification of the fine. If the local Transportation Company rejects the request, travelers can file an appeal (in person or through a legal representative) through the Justice of Peace (Giudice di Pace) for that city. A list of English-speaking attorneys can be found at English speaking professionals. For a list of translators, please visit official translators."
Aug 22nd, 2011, 04:00 AM
#23
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Ok fine. So I deserve the ugly American badge.
I will try to borrow the money and pay the fine before leaving this country.
But I was just indeed curious as to what will happen if I don't pay the fine at all. I'm really short in funds here, plus my credit card is not working, so I am really having a hard time. My friends from New York got away with it, and they have been traveling back and forth between the US and Europe without a problem. They tell me not to worry about it, since I have always been honest and bought the monthly passes ever since (I do have all those tickets to prove). So naturally of course I am tempted to forget about it and not pay. But I am trying to be a good person like always and will see if I find the funds to pay...
I will try to borrow the money and pay the fine before leaving this country.
But I was just indeed curious as to what will happen if I don't pay the fine at all. I'm really short in funds here, plus my credit card is not working, so I am really having a hard time. My friends from New York got away with it, and they have been traveling back and forth between the US and Europe without a problem. They tell me not to worry about it, since I have always been honest and bought the monthly passes ever since (I do have all those tickets to prove). So naturally of course I am tempted to forget about it and not pay. But I am trying to be a good person like always and will see if I find the funds to pay...
Aug 22nd, 2011, 04:47 AM
#24
"So I showed a photocopy of my passport and he wrote my name, birthdate and passport numbers. But I gave a bogus address here in Florence. "
I have no idea as to the response to not paying the fare, but the fact that you gave a false address to an official may get you in worse trouble.
I have no idea as to the response to not paying the fare, but the fact that you gave a false address to an official may get you in worse trouble.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 05:20 PM
#26
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Although you are awfully old for this - it's about time that you learn decisions have consequences. You are very lucky that the consequences for this (a minor fine) are so small. Perhaps you should think about this in relation to other things - and your "friends" advice may perhaps give you time to think about what other advice they may give you.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 07:20 PM
#27
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I don't think you deserve the ugly American badge. I think you are a very broke collage student that tried to gamble and got a ticket. If you decide to pay that ticket or not is up to you and because you posted as you did, I think it may bother you more on than some.
As walkabout mention there are very high odds that you will not be found. What are they going to do search for you in another country for a small fine.
In reality the Italians go "Nero" all the time. If they trust you and you are buying something that requires a tax they will have you pay in cash so that they do not have to declare the tax to the government. This is why Italy, Greece and Spain have a problem with their finances.
I personally think everyone should give you a bit of a break and I think that you might be bothered by this for awhile, so if you can find the 55E then pay it.
As walkabout mention there are very high odds that you will not be found. What are they going to do search for you in another country for a small fine.
In reality the Italians go "Nero" all the time. If they trust you and you are buying something that requires a tax they will have you pay in cash so that they do not have to declare the tax to the government. This is why Italy, Greece and Spain have a problem with their finances.
I personally think everyone should give you a bit of a break and I think that you might be bothered by this for awhile, so if you can find the 55E then pay it.
Aug 29th, 2014, 10:35 AM
#28
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Tweeny I am interested to know what happened.
Did you pay the fine?
Or what happened if you did not?
The same thing happened to me. We got on the bus went to pay the bus driver as it was our first time in florence the bus driver told us we needed to buy tickets prior to this. The inspectors got on and we both got fines I am reluctant to pay this.
Let me know many thanks
Did you pay the fine?
Or what happened if you did not?
The same thing happened to me. We got on the bus went to pay the bus driver as it was our first time in florence the bus driver told us we needed to buy tickets prior to this. The inspectors got on and we both got fines I am reluctant to pay this.
Let me know many thanks
Aug 29th, 2014, 12:46 PM
#29
He's still in Jail, maybe when he gets out 
Seriously, the OP hasn't posted on here since 2011, so very much doubt they'll reply. Put it this way - If I visit a foreign country, and don't bother educating myself about local laws and customs, does that give me the moral right to ignore any fines I accumulate?
Seriously, the OP hasn't posted on here since 2011, so very much doubt they'll reply. Put it this way - If I visit a foreign country, and don't bother educating myself about local laws and customs, does that give me the moral right to ignore any fines I accumulate?
Aug 29th, 2014, 12:48 PM
#30
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It was just this month as a student I've been short and lacking funds that's why I decided to gamble just one bus ride>
and now you are complaining about getting caught when you were knowingly cheating - no sympathy and yes your question was could you get away with it - you seem to be a bit autistic in expecting anyone to aid and abet your criminal activities by answering your real question.
You redefine the phrase Ugly American to the hilt.
Shame on you first for wantingly cheating then seeing if you can sidestep the fine.
Wow!
and now you are complaining about getting caught when you were knowingly cheating - no sympathy and yes your question was could you get away with it - you seem to be a bit autistic in expecting anyone to aid and abet your criminal activities by answering your real question.
You redefine the phrase Ugly American to the hilt.
Shame on you first for wantingly cheating then seeing if you can sidestep the fine.
Wow!
Aug 29th, 2014, 05:55 PM
#35
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You cheated. You were caught. You pay.
Consider this a life lesson.
Why should YOU - not even a citizen or paying taxes in Italy - get to ride public transit for free?
Oh, woe is me, poor student. Can't afford bus. If you drank a little less wine or beer or didn't go out with friends so often you could pay.
Grow up! No sympathy for the entitled child act here.
Consider this a life lesson.
Why should YOU - not even a citizen or paying taxes in Italy - get to ride public transit for free?
Oh, woe is me, poor student. Can't afford bus. If you drank a little less wine or beer or didn't go out with friends so often you could pay.
Grow up! No sympathy for the entitled child act here.
Aug 30th, 2014, 10:26 AM
#38
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Well, since this happened 3 years ago, my comment/advice is worthless, but having recently jumped through many hoops attempting to pay a 30 euro speeding ticket from Germany, I feel obliged to respond.
My $40 or $43 ticket ended up costing me about $115, by the time I paid the ticket and the charge from the car rental company. I got away that cheaply because I had leftover euros, which I sent by registered U.S. mail when neither the bank no I could figure out how to get a wire transfer. If I'd been able to do wire transfers, it would have cost $155.
I was not aware of breaking the speed limit, but I paid the fine because the camera got me fair and square.
My $40 or $43 ticket ended up costing me about $115, by the time I paid the ticket and the charge from the car rental company. I got away that cheaply because I had leftover euros, which I sent by registered U.S. mail when neither the bank no I could figure out how to get a wire transfer. If I'd been able to do wire transfers, it would have cost $155.
I was not aware of breaking the speed limit, but I paid the fine because the camera got me fair and square.
