It can be an unpleasant surprise: a traffic fine from Germany in the letterbox, after you've enjoyed a holiday in our neighbouring country or On the way to a winter sports holiday drives through it. Whether you regularly drive on the German motorways or only cross the country once, the risk of a fine for offences such as speeding, Parking error or ignoring traffic regulations is always present. These fines can cause confusion and questions, especially if you are not familiar with German traffic laws and the penalty system. In this article, we will discuss what to do if you receive a traffic fine in Germany.
Penalty point system in Germany
In addition to fines, Germany also operates a penalty point system. This applies to both residents and tourists. For a traffic violation, you will receive both a fine and penalty points on your driving licence. A fine of €60 or more already results in 1 to 3 penalty points. If you accumulate 8 penalty points, you will face a driving ban. The points are not easy to get rid of, as each point takes 2.5 years to expire. If you want to get rid of them sooner, you must attend a driving skills course.
Types of traffic fines in Germany
In Germany, there are essentially two types of fines: the Verwarnung (warning) and the Bussgeldbescheid (fine notice). These are a lighter and a heavier fine, respectively. In addition, a driving ban can be imposed for serious traffic violations or for the accumulation of multiple traffic fines.
Warning
Verwarnung means ‘admonition’ or ‘warning’. In Germany, you receive the Verwarnung on the spot or by post. It is a fine of the lowest category. By paying the Verwarnungsgeld – a minimum of 5 euros and a maximum of 55 euros – on time, the matter is settled. This way, you avoid criminal prosecution. You can then no longer appeal the fine. If you do not pay on time, meaning within one week, the Verwarnung is automatically converted into a Bussgeldbescheid.
Traffic Fine Notice
Even with a fixed penalty notice, you can settle criminal prosecution. However, the fine amount can now be up to 750 euros. With this fine in Germany, you receive a reply form: the Anhörung. In this, you must fill in the details of the driver who was driving at the time of the offence. In Germany, it is the driver who is fined, not the owner. You can also indicate here whether you agree with the fine. Send back the Anhörung and you will receive the fine afterwards.
Driving ban in Germany
Certain traffic violations can lead to a driving ban, or Fahrverbot. This driving ban is only valid for Germany and ranges from 1 to 3 months. You must have the ban noted on your driving licence within 4 months. Only then will the ban take effect. Failure to have the ban noted on your driving licence may result in a higher fine. If you drive in Germany with a ban already in place, your driving licence can be confiscated.
Cost of a traffic fine from Germany
Within built-up areas, the costs of fines in Germany are higher than outside built-up areas. The costs for a traffic fine within and outside built-up areas are currently:
- Up to 10 km/h: €30 compared to €20
- 11 – 15 km/h: €50 compared to €40
- 16 – 20 km/h: €70 compared to €60
- 21 – 25 km/h: €115 compared to €100
- 26 – 30 km/h: € 180 compared to €150
- 31 – 40 km/h: €260 compared to €200
- 41 – 50 km/h: €400 compared to €320
- 51 – 60 km/h: €560 compared to €480
- 61 – 70 km/h: €700 compared to €600
- Over 70 km/h: €800 compared to €700
How to pay a German fine?
On the Foreign traffic fine From Germany, it is indicated how and when the fine must be paid. The fine amount is determined via the Bussgeldkatalog. In addition, you pay administrative or procedural costs. A German fine must be paid to the enclosed IBAN number. In the description, you enter the file number.
Other fines
Speeding offences are not the only traffic tickets you can receive. Here you can find some more information about other traffic fines in Germany and their amounts.
- Driving with 0.5 promille alcohol: a €500 fine and a one-month driving ban
- Driving with 1.1 permille or more of alcohol in the blood: driving licence confiscation and fine or even imprisonment
- Running a red light: €90 to €320 and 1 to 2 penalty points
- Driving without a seatbelt: €30
- Using a phone while driving: €100 to €250 fine and 1 penalty point
