French train inspector- was this abuse?

[traintocatch]

I was on a train in France yesterday. I was fined without being told in advance. I was initially told that I hadn't paid correct train fare and needed to pay the difference. I agreed to pay but didn't check the amount. Inspector left without handing receipt. I asked for receipt and only then realised I had been fined due to amount. I went after them and asked for ID as I wanted to lodge a complaint. They refused to give me their name. I got angry and tried to take a photo of them and also attempted to turn over the badge they were wearing on a lanyard. I touched the badge but not them. A fellow passenger intervened and calmed down the situation. I can't settle ever since - is this a case of me abusing the inspector in any way? They definitely abused their power and to fine me. I went to local information office and was told this is a common recurrence in this area. The info is not clear for tourists and they take advantage as they get 10% of each fine. My only worry is whether my trying to see their lanyard, thus touching it and trying to turn it is an offence?

Would a British ticket inspector behave in the same way? Much less likely!

My only worry is whether my trying to see their lanyard, thus touching it and trying to turn it is an offence?

The legal answer is that it is, yes - it’s assault. If somebody lost their temper and tried to grab something you were wearing, especially something around your neck, I imagine you’d think that warranted being taken seriously. It’s unlikely it will be taken any further considering the police weren’t called at the time, but if they had been you’d have had no defence: thinking you were unfairly fined isn’t a reason to physically accost somebody.

I have seen them be quite authorities with people and saying it's £50 now. And they fill in the form and make them buy tickets and pay the fine. Even to a young woman terribly upset. So yes. I am wondering why you felt your behaviour was acceptable in the moment. I understand on reflection you realise it wad not but why at the time did you think it was?

Thank you - this is what I was looking for.

Because they had no interest in hearing my explanation, they never explained what they were doing and the rudeness and abuse of power. It felt really unjust and I was trying to defend myself and gather information for a complaint. It all happened so quickly and on a day I was struggling with my emotions/lack of sleep so that was the tip of the iceberg, not that this is an excuse, but might explain my behaviour.

The French are notoriously officious and rude.

Go in prepared and never hesitate to involve innocent passers by. They will accept with alacrity as they hate the bâtards.

I agree with this.

They don't accept explanations here either. Either you have paid the correct fare or you haven't. It is a strict liability issue. If you haven't paid the correct fare you are fined. That's in the UK so I assume similar there. They have the whole train to check so don't have time or indeed need to listen to why you haven't paid the right fare

"All it needed was a bit of guidance and human kindness."

Oh god. We British have started to get some really silly, soppy, daffy ideas about 'how things should be' and 'let's all be kind'. Reality check: the rest of the world isn't on board.

In other countries, the authorities are authorities. You can't go around the world expecting to be gently soothed and patted on the head for breaking the rules, inadvertently or not.

I have been in countries where staff did let me off paying a fine because I explained as a tourist I made a mistake. Where staff are not incentivized to issue fines, they tend to be nicer.

You would still be fined here. You did not have a valid ticket for the journey you were on and you have to accept the consequence was getting a fine. Just accept you acted inappropriately and are fortunate it has not gone any further but please stop trying to justify your actions.

As OP is not a resident of France, what would happen if she simply ignored the fine?

Yes you were abusive. You had no right to touch him/her in any way