Depending on the country and the type of offence, you'll receive the invoice either directly from the authority or from SIXT – in some cases together with an administration fee. If you believe the invoice is unjustified, you can lodge an appeal directly with the authority.
What to do next
Check the invoice: compare the date, time, location and offence with your rental period
Note the payment deadline: it's stated on the invoice – paying on time avoids additional reminder fees
In case of discrepancies: lodge an appeal directly with the relevant authority – the procedure is described on the invoice
Why am I getting the invoice from SIXT?
SIXT initially receives the invoice as the registered owner of the vehicle. Depending on the country and the type of offence, we either pass your renter details on to the authority (you then receive the invoice directly) or settle the amount to avoid escalation. In the latter case, we invoice you for the amount – where applicable plus an administration fee.
When will the invoice arrive?
Usually 4–8 weeks after the offence, depending on the authority's processing time. You'll be notified in writing – either directly by the authority or by SIXT.
Special case Austria: Anonymverfügung (anonymous penalty invoice)
For traffic offences in Austria, you can pay the Anonymverfügung anonymously and within the deadline directly to the Austrian authority. In this case, SIXT does not pass on your renter details and forwards the invoice to you instead. Please pay on time to avoid further enquiries.
Parking violation after return
Most SIXT branches offer enough parking spaces. If the vehicle wasn't parked properly at the time of return, a parking ticket may still be issued – even after you've handed the vehicle back at the branch. These costs are settled by SIXT and passed on to you as the renter.
Lodging an appeal
Do you believe the offence is unjustified (e.g. wrong photo, wrong vehicle or wrong time)? Lodge your appeal directly with the relevant authority. SIXT cannot lodge an appeal on your behalf, but we'll provide you with your rental agreement as proof. If the invoice is overturned, we'll refund the amount we charged you.
Still need help? Find our contact options below – please have your rental agreement number ready.
"},{"text":"Will SIXT refund the fine after a successful appeal?","href":"/help-center/articles/will-sixt-refund-the-fine-after-a-successful-appeal/","content":"If your appeal with the authority is successful and the notice is overturned, SIXT will refund the fine amount we charged you to the original payment method.
What you need to submit
Send us the following via WhatsApp or Live Chat:
The authority's notice of cancellation, including the reference number and date of cancellation
Your SIXT invoice number or rental agreement number
How the refund is processed
The refund will be issued to the original payment method. The processing time depends on your bank or provider and usually takes 5–10 working days.
Next step
Submit the notice of cancellation and your invoice number via WhatsApp or Live Chat.
Still need help? Find our contact options below – please have your rental agreement number ready.
"},{"text":"Why did SIXT charge an administration fee on my traffic fine?","href":"/help-center/articles/why-did-sixt-charge-an-administration-fee-on-my-traffic-fine/","content":"The SIXT administration fee covers the work of paying the authority, identifying you as the driver and forwarding the charge to you.
What the fee covers
Paying the original PCN to avoid escalation
Identifying you from the rental agreement and handling the records request
Forwarding the cost to your card and issuing a SIXT invoice
Size of the fee
Exact amount is in your rental agreement (£40 per fine). It stands whether the fine is £2.50 or £150.
If the PCN is cancelled
We refund the PCN amount and the administration fee.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
"},{"text":"What happens if I don't pay a toll or congestion charge during my SIXT rental?","href":"/help-center/articles/what-happens-if-i-don-t-pay-a-toll-or-congestion-charge-during-my-sixt-rental/","content":"If you don't pay a toll or urban driving charge on time, the authority notifies SIXT as the registered keeper. SIXT settles the amount and passes on the original charge plus an administration fee. Paying the authority directly is always cheaper.
Common examples across different countries
Congestion Charge / UleZ (London, UK) — daily urban driving charge, payable the same or following day
Péage (France) / Autostrada (Italy) — motorway tolls, often captured automatically at toll points
DART Charge (UK) / Brenner Motorway (Austria/Italy) — bridge and tunnel tolls
When does SIXT step in?
Urban driving charges (e.g. Congestion Charge, UleZ) not paid by the deadline
Motorway or road tolls left unpaid
A penalty notice has been issued
How the process works
The authority identifies SIXT as the registered keeper
SIXT settles the charge to prevent escalation
SIXT passes on the original amount plus an administration fee
You can dispute the original charge directly with the relevant authority at any time
How to avoid administration fees
Pay tolls and driving charges on the same day or the day after. Deadlines and payment methods vary by country — check the relevant authority's website or the Rental Information for your booking country.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
"}]}}}