Read the summons carefully
The summons sets the date, time, and District Court venue. Check the offence cited matches the FCN you received — if it does not, you have a clear procedural defence. Note the return date (your first appearance) and the alleged date of offence.
On the day
Arrive 30 minutes early. You will be asked how you plead — guilty, not guilty, or late payment. If you plead late payment, the judge may accept the original FCN amount plus court costs (typically €40-€100). If you plead not guilty, the case is adjourned for a hearing and you present your evidence.
Defences that work
Common winning grounds: defective service of the original FCN, signage non-compliant with S.I. 182/1997, contravention did not occur, mistake of identity, mitigating circumstances under RTA 1994 s.103 (medical emergency, breakdown). Bring photos, witness statements, and a calendar of your movements.