Chapter 1: Fixed penalty notices Section 3: Content and effect of notices
Section 3 outlines the structure of fixed penalty notices.
	Subsection (1) determines that this section applies to a fixed penalty notice under section 1 or 2.
	Subsection (2) explains that a ‘fixed penalty notice’ is a notice issued to a person to give them an opportunity to pay a specified financial penalty in order to discharge any liability to conviction for that offence within the relevant period.
	Subsection (3) states that the maximum fixed penalty notice is £5,000, or the maximum fine the offender could be liable to pay if convicted for the same offence.
	Subsection (4) defines ‘relevant period’ as used in this Act as 28 days starting on the date the fixed penalty notice was issued.
	Subsection (5) outlines the information that will be included in the fixed penalty notice. This includes a statement that the enforcement authority or constable is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the person committed a relevant offence; the effect of subsection (6) of this section; when payment may be made; and how.
	Subsection (6) applies when a fixed penalty notice is issued to a person and not withdrawn. Subsection (6)(a) states that proceedings will not be instituted until after the relevant period has expired for the person who committed the offence to pay the fixed penalty notice and thus discharge liability. Subsection (5)(b) details that the person who committed the offence may not be convicted of the offence if the person pays the fixed penalty notice in full within the relevant period, or they pay 50% of the fixed penalty notice within 14 days of the start of the relevant period.
	Subsection (7) specifies that when prosecution is pursued, the window in which to pursue this starts from the day that the fixed penalty notice relevant period lapsed, as outlined in section 127(1) of the Magistrates’ Court Act 1980.