Traffic fines in Germany

This page contains topics:

1. Types of traffic fines in Germany
2. Traffic Point System
3. Traffic Fines for Foreigners
4. Amount of Fine
5. Driving Ban
6. Fine for Cyclists
7. Fine for Pedestrians

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1. Types of traffic fines in Germany

There are two types of fines:

1. On-the-spot fine (Verwarnungsgeld)
2. Fine, that can be paid later (Bußgeldbescheid)

Drivers may refuse to pay an on-the-spot fine (Verwarnungsgeld) but Bußgeldbescheid is riskier as Verwarnungsgeld does not influence the settlement of an insurance claim. Paying a Bußgeldbescheid later could be used as evidence that you were at fault.

2. Traffic Point System

Germany has a traffic offender penalizing system called the traffic point system (Flensburger Konto).

Points are added according to the severity of the traffic offense. Some severe violations like running from the location of an accident can cost 3 Flensburg points.

Once a driver accumulates four to five points, he or she will receive a warning, along with information about the points system. With six to seven points, a driver must attend two 90-minutes seminars within three months of notification. With eight or more points, the driver’s license is revoked. Points will remain on a driver’s record for a minimum of 2.5 years. Serious violations may remain on the record for as many as 10 years.

3. Traffic Fines for Foreigners

A non-EU-citizen living in Germany or in the EU region with an intention of longer stay would be treated as same as local citizens and has to pay the same amount of fine on a traffic violation.

A Person who is not a citizen of the EU region, and is just driving through German territory, would pay a higher amount upon committing a traffic offense because the traffic point system is not applicable to him/her.

4. Amount of Fine

The amount of fine depends upon the severity of an offense. For example, overspeeding up to 10 km/h costs 10 Euros out of town/city limits, while the same overspeeding may costs 15 Euros inside city limits.

5. Driving Ban

Certain violations can cause a driving ban, for example, drunk driving. Often driving ban is combined with the Flensburg point system. An overspeeding of 31-40 km/h inside city limits can cause a driving ban for one month along with 2 points in the Flensburg system and a maximum fine of 160 Euros.

6. Fine for Cyclists

Cyclists also have to pay fines in case of a traffic offense. If a cyclist offender is a holder of a driver's license, he/she may also receive points in the Flensburg system. If a cycle is not equipped with function lights, the owner has to pay 25 Euros fine, even if he/she is riding during day hours. A red signal violation costs 60 Euros and if the offender is also a holder of a driver’s license, he/she will get a point in Flensburg. Drunk cycling is also an offense. A helmet is recommended while cycling but not mandatory.

7. Fine for Pedestrians

Crossing a road from within 10 meters left or right of a pedestrian crosswalk is a traffic offense. Germany has red and green signals for pedestrians also. Violation of a red signal by a pedestrian is also an offense.