Driving in Germany is a unique experience thanks to its famous motorways with no speed limits on some stretches, but it also means complying with very strict traffic regulations. The current traffic regulations (Straßenverkehrsordnung or StVO) and the catalogue of sanctions (Bußgeldkatalog) in force at any given time determine the traffic fines in Germany.
Germans are known outside their borders for their discipline and respect for rules and fines for traffic offences are common. The most common offences are speeding, jumping a red light, parking in a no-parking zone, driving under the influence of alcohol and using a mobile phone while driving. We are going to take a look at how to pay a fine in Germany, the possible reductions for early payment and the particularities for foreign drivers.
Speeding fines
The speed limits in Germany are similar to those of its European neighbours: 50 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on interurban roads, unless otherwise indicated. On motorways the limit is 130 km/h, and although there are sections of motorway without speed limits (Autobahns), it is recommended not to exceed 130 km/h.
There are many fixed and mobile speed cameras and the penalties for speeding depend on how much the speed limit is exceeded and where the offence is committed. The fines for exceeding the speed limit in the case of cars are as follows:
- Up to 10 km/h: €30 (on urban roads) / €20 (on interurban roads)
- From 11 to 15 km/h: €50 / €40
- From 16 to 20 km/h: €70 / €60
- From 21 to 25 km/h: €115 / €100
- Over 26 km/h: fines range from €180 to €800, 1 or 2 penalty points on your licence and possible driving ban in the event of a repeat offence (if you exceed 26 km/h twice in one year).
There is a margin of tolerance in German speed cameras: to impose any sanction there is a technical deduction (Toleranzabzug) of 3 km/h for speeds up to 100 km/h and 3% for higher speeds.
Parking fines
Parking in unauthorised places or without paying in regulated parking zones is a common mistake, especially in cities, and the fines can be significant, even more so if a pedestrian crossing, a cycle lane or a driveway is blocked. In addition, the vehicle can be towed away, adding an extra cost.
In Germany, it is prohibited to park less than 5 metres from crossroads or intersections (8 metres if there is a cycle lane), in front of entrances, at bus stops, or in loading/unloading areas without authorisation. Permitted parking spaces are usually marked with a white ‘P’ on a blue background. It is important to know that some parking areas require a paid ticket (Parkschein).
The parking fines in Germany (Parkverstöße) are as follows:
- Illegal parking (up to 1 hour): €25
- Illegal parking for more than 1 hour: up to €40
- Parking in disabled spaces: €55
- Parking in fire accesses or obstructing emergency services: up to €100
Parking fines do not accumulate points on the driving licence, but the vehicle owner will have to pay the legal costs if the driver is not identified.
Mobile phone use while driving
It is forbidden to use electronic devices without a hands-free kit while driving (this includes holding the mobile phone, writing messages or looking at the screen). Mobile phones can only be used with a hands-free kit or when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is switched off.
The penalty for using a phone while driving (Handy am Steuer) in Germany is €100 and 1 point. This is increased to €150, 2 points and a month’s licence suspension if a risky manoeuvre is performed or danger is caused. The fine for cyclists using a mobile phone is €55 without points being suspended.
Other traffic regulations in Germany
Failure to respect a red traffic light (Rotlichtverstoß): German cities have multiple traffic cameras that capture these offences. If you go through just as it turns red (in less than 1 second) the fine is €90 and 1 point. However, if you go through a red light when more than 1 second has already passed, the fine is €200, 2 points and a 1-month driving ban.
Driving under the influence of alcohol (Alkohol am Steuer): the blood alcohol level cannot exceed 0.5 g/l (0.0 g/l for drivers under 21 or drivers with less than 2 years’ driving experience). Fines for exceeding this limit range from €500 to €5000, in addition to driving licence withdrawals and even prison sentences in the most serious cases.
Failure to form an emergency lane (Rettungsgasse): when there is a traffic jam on a motorway it is compulsory to give way to emergency vehicles by pulling over to the hard shoulder. Failure to do so incurs a fine of between 200 and 320 euros plus 2 points and a 1-month driving ban.
Insufficient distance from the vehicle in front (Abstandsverstoß): the minimum distance from the vehicle in front must be at least half our speed in metres. For example, if we are travelling at 100 km/h the distance must be at least 50 metres. Fines for not respecting the safety distance range from 75 to 400 euros and 1 or 2 points in addition to a possible temporary driving ban.
How to pay a fine in Germany
It is sometimes inevitable that we will get a fine, even if we take every precaution. If you have received a traffic fine in Germany, this is everything you need to know to pay it.
Notification of the fine
The German authorities have six months from the date of the offence to notify the driver, usually by post to their home address. In the case of foreign drivers, the notification is sent to the country of registration of the vehicle thanks to international agreements such as EUCARIS. Fines are notified by post to the vehicle owner. They include a fine notification (Bußgeldbescheid) with details of the offence, amount, points (if applicable) and payment instructions.
The notification period for a traffic fine for residents in Germany generally does not exceed three weeks. For foreign drivers it can take up to 3 or 4 months. If the vehicle is a rental, the company provides the driver’s details to the authorities.
If the driver is not identified at the time of committing the offence (such as with fixed speed cameras or traffic cameras), the owner receives a form (Anhörungsbogen) to declare who was driving. Failure to respond can result in additional penalties.
Deadline for paying a fine
Once the notification has been received, the deadline for paying a fine in Germany is between one and four weeks. This payment deadline will be specified in the notification. If it is not paid within this period, a reminder will be sent with a surcharge, and the amount will continue to increase the longer the payment is delayed. In extreme cases, non-payment can lead to legal action.
- Minor fines up to €55 (Verwarnungsgeld): payment within 1 week of notification. Paying on time means accepting the penalty, so the case is closed.
- Serious fines (Bußgeldbescheid):
- 14 days to submit written arguments (Einspruch) to the issuing authority.
- If no appeal is made, an additional 2 weeks to pay from the final notification (Zahlungsfrist).
- If it is not paid within the deadline, reminders are sent with surcharges (Mahngebühren) of 5 to 10 euros per notice, to which late payment interest must be added. After several notices, enforcement proceedings (Zwangsvollstreckung), such as seizure, may be initiated.
Methods of payment
Paying a fine in Germany is simple, as there are different means of payment available to the citizen. It is important to keep the proof of payment in order to prove payment of the fine if a dispute arises. These are the means of payment available:
- Bank transfer: the notification includes the bank details necessary to make the payment (IBAN and BIC of the sanctioning authority). It can be made from any bank by indicating the reference number (Aktenzeichen).
- Payment in person: at banks or German post offices by presenting the notification.
- Online payment: some local authorities allow electronic payment through their web portals. It requires the notification details and usually accepts card or transfer.
- Postal order: it is less common and more expensive, but it is still a valid form of payment.
- Foreign drivers: if you are outside Germany you can pay by international transfer.
Unlike in countries such as Spain, Italy or France, in Germany there is no generalised discount for prompt payment of traffic fines. However, some minor offences can be resolved with a small fine (Verwarnungsgeld) of up to €55, which must be paid quickly to avoid it becoming a larger penalty (Bußgeldbescheid). Once the latter has been issued, there is no reduction and the payment must be made in full within the indicated period.
Limitation periods
The limitation period for a fine in Germany depends on the seriousness of the offence. Minor offences expire after 3 months if the driver has not been notified within that period. In the case of serious or very serious offences, the limitation period is extended to 6 months.
However, it should be borne in mind that the time limits are interrupted if the authorities send the notification within that time. Once notified, the statute of limitations is suspended until the case is resolved and unpaid penalties can be reviewed every two years to see if the offender’s circumstances have changed.
Foreign drivers
Foreign drivers are not exempt from traffic fines in Germany. Thanks to international agreements and the EUCARIS system, the German authorities can notify the country of registration of the offending vehicle of any infringements. However, there are some peculiarities:
- Penalty points: foreigners do not accumulate points in the German system (Flensburg), as this applies only to German driving licences. Instead, financial penalties or suspensions are imposed that only affect driving in Germany.
- Suspension of the licence: if a serious offence leads to the withdrawal of the licence, this only has effect on German territory. However, the driver must hand over his licence to the German authorities, which can be a logistical problem from abroad. In these cases, it is advisable to contact the consulate or the issuing authority to clarify how to proceed.
- Making payment: although Germany cannot directly seize foreign accounts, unpaid fines can cause problems on future trips to the country, such as entry bans or forced collections if they are processed through the courts.
You should bear in mind that if you rented a car in Germany, the rental company will notify the authorities of your details and may charge you an administrative fee in addition to the fine.