Everything you need to know about traffic fines in Germany

It can be an unpleasant surprise: a traffic fine from Germany in your letterbox after you have been on holiday in our neighbouring country or on the way to winter sports have driven through it. Whether you drive regularly on the German motorways or only cross the country once, the risk of a fine for violations such as speeding, wrong parking or ignoring traffic rules is always present. These fines can cause confusion and questions, especially if you are not familiar with German traffic laws and the fine 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 works with a penalty point system. This applies to both residents and tourists. In the event of a traffic violation, you will receive both a fine and penalty points on your driving license. For a fine of €60 or more, you will receive 1 to 3 penalty points. If you receive 8 penalty points, you will be banned from driving. You will not easily get rid of the points, because each point takes 2.5 years to get rid of. If you want to get rid of them sooner, you will have to take a driving proficiency course.  

Types of traffic fines in Germany

In Germany, there are basically two types of fines: the Verwarnung and the Bussgeldbescheid. These are a lighter and heavier fine respectively. In addition, a driving ban can be imposed for serious traffic violations or when multiple traffic fines are accumulated.

warning

Verwarnung means 'reminder' or 'warning'. In Germany, you will receive the Verwarnung on the spot or by post. It is a fine of the lowest category. By paying the Verwarnungsgeld - of at least 5 euros and a maximum of 55 euros - on time, the case is settled. This prevents criminal prosecution. You can then no longer appeal against the fine. If you do not pay on time, that is to say within one week, the Verwarnung is automatically converted into a Bussgeldbescheid.

Bus money receipt

You can also buy off prosecution with a Bussgeldbescheid. However, the fine can now be up to 750 euros. With this fine in Germany, you will receive a response form: the Anhörung. In this form, you must fill in the details of the driver who was driving at the time of the violation. In Germany, the driver is fined and not the owner. You can also indicate here whether you agree with the fine. Send the Anhörung and then receive the fine.

Driving ban in Germany

Some traffic violations can lead to a driving ban, or Fahrverbot. This driving ban only applies to Germany and varies from 1 to 3 months. You must have the ban registered on your driving license within 4 months. Only then will the ban come into effect. Failure to have the ban registered on your driving license can result in a higher fine. If you still drive in Germany with a ban, your driving license 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 versus €20
• 11 – 15 km/h: €50 versus €40
• 16 – 20 km/h: €70 versus €60
• 21 – 25 km/h: €115 versus €100
• 26 – 30 km/h: €180 versus €150
• 31 – 40 km/h: €260 versus €200
• 41 – 50 km/h: €400 versus €320
• 51 – 60 km/h: €560 versus €480
• 61 – 70 km/h: €700 versus €600
• More than 70 km/h: €800 versus €700

How to pay German fine?

On the foreign traffic fine of Germany states how and when the fine must be paid. The fine amount is determined via the Bussgeldkatalog. In addition, you pay administration or procedure costs. A German fine must be paid to the enclosed IBAN number. In the description, you state the file number.

Other fines

Speeding is not the only traffic fine you can get. Here you can find some more information about other traffic fines in Germany and the amount of the fine:

• Driving with 0.5 per mille alcohol: €500 fine and a one-month driving ban
• Driving with 1.1 per mille or more alcohol in your blood: driving license confiscation and fine or even prison sentence
• Driving through a red light: €90 to €320 and 1 to 2 penalty points
• Driving without a belt: €30
• Using a telephone while driving: €100 to €250 and 1 penalty point