So far in France (like many other countries), the Police would ticket you by using photo evidence, usually with help of the radar gun. This way, when there are disputes, the photo is proof-positive that you and the motorcycle did something wrong.
Lately, specially in Paris, the Police have been ordered to fine anyone, even if they aren't equipped with a camera, and even if they don't stop you. What that means, a Police officer driving along in his "normal" car will write down your license plate if he/she sees you doing something illegal (like not stopping at a stop sign, crossing a white line, not using your indicators when changing lanes, etc), and the a few days later you receive the fine. You'd be lucky to remember if you were riding that day.... let alone if you actually did do what they are saying.
So far, Police have warned you that you were being photographed ("flashed" as they say in France). Or if they were using handguns, opposite traffic would warn you by flashing their lights.
This causes several problems, even for the Gendarmes. These tickets are way to easy to challenge. It requires going to the courts, but it also means the cop needs to go to court. Since they don't have any evidence, it becomes very difficult to show the judge that you did do something illegal.
Nevertheless, between 2006 and 2007, the "on-the-fly" tickets increased 1266% !!!!! 80% of them were cars, 20% motorcycles. And since splitting lanes is tolerated, but illegal, cops can, and will, ticket you even when you don't see them, and even if they don't stop you.
But then, it becomes your word against theirs in front of a judge, and often the judge will rule in favor of you.
It's a stupid system, and it boils down to intimidation. Who blinks first....
Let's hope more and more motorcycle riders (and cagers) start challenging the tickets. That will stop them from doing this.
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