German driving laws – fines for speeding, drunk driving, parking etc.

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German traffic laws for foreigners

Regarding the question, whether Germans are considerate or rather reckless drivers, everyone will have a different answer after a visit to Germany. That is not surprising considering there are 43 million registered cars in Germany after all. And there are a variety of differences between their drivers. Therefore, the “German driving style” can hardly be evaluated, because there is no such thing as “a German driver”.

According to a recent survey conducted by an insurance company, 96% of all German drivers consider themselves as “very good” or at least “quite good” drivers. Admittedly, the number of traffic deaths is declining every year, but nevertheless, the proportion of traffic deaths in other countries like the UK or the Netherlands is still smaller than in Germany. In spite of that, you can give credit to the Germans that only a sixth of the 43 million car drivers has got so called Punkte in Flensburg (points in Flensburg).

The Flensburger Konto (account in Flensburg) generally records, if someone committed traffic violations like speeding. The bigger the hazard caused by the misbehaviour, the more points will be recorded on the account. If a traffic offender has gathered 8 points, he or she must hand in the driving licence permanently.

The points also apply to foreigners

Under German law, foreigners travelling through Germany are able to collect points in Flensburg as well, if they commit a violation according to the schedule of fines. The rules regarding the points apply to foreigners just like they do to natives. Additional to the points, there are further penalties which can be imposed on foreigners.

• For instance, a fine which is sent as a penalty notice to foreign countries as well. If the recipient does not pay the fine, it will also result in enforcement proceedings – at least in the EU.
• Furthermore, car drivers who committed certain violations like running a red light may be punished with a temporary driving ban which usually lasts for one to three months.

The German schedule of fines is a unified compilation of all German traffic violations and fines according to German driving laws. It also states which additional penalties are imposed on offenders. The schedule of fines defines if the violation entails a driving ban and how long this ban will last. It also determines if points are being recorded and how many.

Furthermore, the German law states that criminal offences like drunk driving can already result in the revocation of the driver’s licence – even if the offender has not gathered 8 points on the account in Flensburg yet. A so called MPU is one of the steps to regain the driver’s permit. It is short for Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung (medical-psychological examination) and requires a report which must attest the offender a more careful driving style in the future. It is often not that easy to receive one. As long as this report is not issued, the offender cannot drive a car in Germany with his or her previous driver’s licence.

In this instance, the traffic offender can lose his or her driving permit abroad as well. The EUCARIS (European Car and Driving Licence Information System) has the data of holders of a driver’s licence from many European countries and provides authorities abroad with it. Thus a driving ban can be enforced there. A general statement if this will happen in other countries is not possible though.

If it happens, there is the possibility that only the violatioin against the regulation of “carrying a driving licence” is punished abroad as sometimes the criminal offence “driving without a driving licence” does not exist in this country.

Revocation of a foreign driving permit

German driving laws allow for two different kinds of driving bans. In the case of a temporary driving ban, the driver’s licence will be revoked as a penalty for a period of up to three months. Afterwards, the holder reacquires it from the authorities. This procedure is also legitimate with a foreign driver’s permit. The ban is usually marked on the concerned licence.

Even if someone is in Germany for just a short time – as a tourist for example – and is punished with a driving ban, the traffic offender cannot unmake it by leaving Germany. The temporary ban prohibits driving in Germany for the defined period of time. If an offender drives during the ban, her or she can be charged with driving without a licence upon re-entry into Germany. This is a criminal offence by German law which is punished with a fine or even a prison sentence of up to one year.

A permanent driving ban for the holder of a foreign driver’s licence is regulated by section 69b in the StGB (German criminal code). It states that the preliminary permission to operate a vehicle in Germany with a foreign driving permit is revoked with the driving ban. Furthermore, it is not possible to get a German driving licence within a retention period set by the authorities.

If the offender is from an EU country, his or her seized driver’s permit will be sent to the appropriate authority in their home country. In some cases, it might even be sent to the home address of the offender. If not, the ban will be noted on the licence itself – the licence then will not be valid anymore in Germany.

Again, if someone drives a car in spite of that, he or she commits a criminal offence. This driving without a licence will not be treated as a traffic violation according to the schedule of fines, but as an offence as per German law. This also means the case will be taken to court. Legal consequences differ from country to country, if you drive without a licence outside of Germany.

Do I need a German driving licence?

Someone who is staying in Germany for extended periods of time and is driving a car here, may want to get a German driving licence. According to German driving laws, this is not necessary if the stay is a short one! The foreign driver’s licence is valid in Germany in the first few months, especially if you are from an EU country. You should check the age limits or time restrictions for the different kinds of licences in Germany. A driver’s licence class C1 and C1E for example needs to be renewed every five years.

Drivers from one of the member states of the EU or a contractual state of the European Economy Area (EEA) will have less problems having their foreign driver’s permit validated in Germany. A translation of the driver’s permit into German is not necessary in these cases. A driver’s licence acquired and issued in such a country will still be valid, if the holder registers a new place of residence in Germany as per German law.

But heads up: the termination date of the driving permit remains valid! Possibly, you have to request an extension with the German authorities. Since the processing will take some time, you should contact the authorities opportunely. You will receive the German documents together with the extension of your driver’s licence, provided that your registered residence is in Germany and you spend at least 185 days a year there.

Driving permits from non-EU countries

So a driver’s licence which was issued within the EU is usually applicable in Germany without any problems. If you have a foreign driver’s permit, though, which was not issued in a EU country nor an EEA country, we strongly advise you to get professional consulting at your local admissions office. According to German driving laws, your current driver’s licence will be valid for the first six months when you have registered a German residency. After that time it will expire. You will have to apply for a German driving licence in due time.

The regulations for acquiring the German driving licence depend on the country the original driver’s licence was issued in. You can find out the regulations for your country at your local driving licence office. Provided that you are not staying longer than a year in Germany, you can get a special permit; thereby you do not have to get a new licence. This special permit must be recorded in your documents; otherwise you might get into trouble at a traffic check.

Speed limits in Germany

Germany has a speed limit of 50 km/h within built-up areas and 100 km/h outside built-up areas – like most European countries. On the other hand, there is no speed limit on the German Autobahn (motorways) – just a recommended speed of 130 km/h. Car drivers are required to drive according to the weather conditions, though. For instance, ice and snow can make it necessary for drivers to drive slower. Consistently, there are heated discussions on establishing a speed limit on the German Autobahn as well. Up to now, this is not the case though.

However, there are traffic signs indicating a speed limit on many street sections and on the motorways as well. Drivers who are speeding in Germany may be caught by a speed trap. The driver must be recognizable on the photo which can be automatically taken by the radar trap. In Germany it is the driver that is liable, which lies in contrast to other countries. Therefore, the registered keeper of the vehicle does not always receive the penalty notice, but it must be undoubtedly clarified on the basis of the photographic evidence that the suspected person was in fact driving.

The following table contains some fines for speeding violations against German driving laws along with the related point and shows if a driving ban is imposed.

German speeding fines

How fines changed due to the new StVO:

Parking violations

Many tourists do not know the regulations when it comes to parking in Germany. That is not surprising, since there are a lot of rules to follow: it is stated in the StVO (German driving laws) that it is forbidden to park 5 m in front of crossovers or side roads (8 m if there is a cycle path). Lowered kerbs are also off-limits. Moreover, drivers are supposed to park in a space-saving way and must not park in front of a driveway, bus stop signs or on manhole covers. Overall, parking is not allowed in a lot of places pursuant to German driving laws. If these regulations are violated, the driver will get a parking ticket. Parking is permitted at places with a blue traffic sign with a white “P” on it. Sometimes you will have to get a pay-and-display-ticket first, though.

Safety regulations in the car

It is advisable to equip your car according to the safety regulations before driving in Germany. It can be inspected at a traffic check, if you have

• a reflective vest
• a first aid kid
• a warning triangle

in your car. This equipment is obligatory in Germany just like in most EU countries. Furthermore, the condition of the tyres is sometimes checked as well. The minimum tread depth in Germany is 1.6 mm as per German law; it also is mandatory to have winter tyres, if the weather conditions dictate it.

There is a seatbelt requirement in Germany, too: all passengers must wear a seatbelt while driving. By the way, this also applies to coaches!

Passengers of full age are punished with a fine of € 30, if they do not wear a seatbelt in a moving car. In accordance with German driving laws children smaller than 150 cm have to be double secured: with a seatbelt and a children’s, baby or booster seat. As soon as one of the obligatory safety measures is violated, a fine of € 30 is inflicted. If a child is detected with no safety device whatsoever, the driver will have to pay a fine of € 60 and will get a point in Flensburg. If several children are not secured at all, the fine will increase to € 70.

Drunk driving and drug driving

It is undisputable that the consumption of drugs and alcohol limits the ability to respond. Therefore, the risk to get into a car accident increases enormously. This way, you not only endanger yourself, but also others on the road.

The German alcohol laws and drug laws are very strict, thus the punishment for drunk driving or for driving under the influence of drugs is particularly harsh. The fines go from € 500 to € 1500. Additionally, long driving bans are imposed and multiple points are recorded.

A driver who is caught with 1.1 mg/ml or higher commits a criminal offence and is taken to court. A car driver who is at least 21 years old and has his or her driver’s licence for at least 2 years has a legal alcohol limit of 0.5 mg/ml. There is no traffic violation existent up to this limit, as long as the driving style is not suspicious or endangers others. Adolescents under 21 have a legal limit of 0.0 mg/ml: they are not allowed to drink any alcohol, if they want to operate a vehicle afterwards. The same is valid for new drivers, who have had their licence for less than two years.

The use of marijuana is also prohibited by law in Germany. Therefore, drug driving can not only result in prosecution, but a driving ban as well.

Fines for cyclists and pedestrians

Most of the violations mentioned in the schedule of fines refer to drivers of power-driven vehicles. Pursuant to German driving laws, pedestrians and drivers of non-motorised vehicles can receive a penalty notice as well, though. Cyclists whose bike is not equipped with the proper lighting have to pay a fine of up to € 25. Pedestrians have to pay a warning fine of € 5, if they cross against the red light. Cyclists get a point and a fine of € 60 for this violation. Helmets are not mandatory for cyclists in Germany. By the way, a ride with the bike with over 1.6 mg/ml or a suspicious driving style with at least 0.3 mg/ml can already lead to a criminal charge! Additionally, the offender gets 3 points.

German driving laws are mostly only slightly different to the regulations in other countries. All these sets of rules, like the StVO, are intended for the same thing: increase traffic safety so most accidents can be prevented. Car drivers who are on the road in Germany can do little wrong, when they stick to the prescribed guidelines in section 1 of the StVO: All road and transport users are urged to be considerate of others and drive carefully at all times. Everyone who takes these principles to heart will have no problems while driving in Germany or elsewhere.

Über den Autor

Thomas R.

Thomas hat einen Abschluss in Politikwissenschaften von der Universität Jena. Er gehört seit 2018 zum Team von bussgeldkatalog.org und verfasst News und Ratgeber zu verschiedenen Themen im Verkehrsrecht.

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German driving laws – fines for speeding, drunk driving, parking etc.

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1. Praveen

   Am 17. September 2019 um 12:02

   I was fined for lane splitting. The police said I will get a letter of 150€ fine and a point. Since I am in the probation period, they may send to schooling costing another 300€. How can I avoid this schooling class? When I go for an inquiry, should I accept my fault or no? What I shall do?

   Antworten
2. Lucky

   Am 14. September 2019 um 20:55

   I want to know what can happen and what can be penalty for driving on red light in probation time Germany how much fine I have to pay and what penalties will get in probationary time

   Antworten
3. Jean

   Am 1. September 2019 um 23:11

   My daughter rented a car from Europcar to drive my husband and I through Germany. We have been notified by Europcar that Violation 1087259910 (or Freiburg: 505030067325) was issued on 14,06,2019. How do we find out what the offense was and how to take care of it?

   We have received nothing from anyone except Europcar.

   Please reply in English if possible.

   Thank you.
   Jean
   We are US citizens and daughter has International Drivers Liscense.

   Antworten
4. Samir

   Am 25. August 2019 um 16:09

   Hi,
   I got a letter from a Straßenverkehr saying that i have violated rules of speeding.
   I was driving at 97km/h and the allowed speed was 50km/h inside the Build up area.
   Can anyone tell me what will be the fines for that case ?
   And is there any way to reduce that?
   Thanks
   Samir

   Antworten
5. Michael

   Am 16. August 2019 um 9:44

   Hi, last week I was stopped whilst riding an E-scooter and I was over the limit according to the roadside test. I went to the police station where they took my blood. I am likely to loose my licence, but I was wandering what the possible penalty might be??

   Antworten
6. Samatha

   Am 11. August 2019 um 10:58

   I was found drunk with 1.1mg what can happen to me. I am so scared about this problem. Please help

   Antworten
7. Austin S

   Am 6. August 2019 um 17:31

   What penalty would be imposed to drivers who are speeding in Germany? Do they have to take driving lessons again?
   Thank you

   Antworten
8. Anastasia

   Am 15. Juli 2019 um 3:41

   Hello,
   I moved to Germany half year ago. I went across the road against the red light on my bicycle and got the fine police. I provided my address to police and waited the waited for a receipt. But the two weeks latear I moved to new apartment and my old landlord sent my post back and removed my name from the post box. I already changed my registration but I actualy can’t recive the my recipt now. How I can got my fine?

   Antworten
9. PBM

   Am 13. Juli 2019 um 13:46

   I recently got multiple letters for parking violation 6 months after the event..How many parking tickets can get before points are taken from my license?

   Antworten
10. rachel

    Am 8. Juli 2019 um 21:26

    Is there somewhere online where we can check to see how many points our license has?

    Antworten
11. Peter

    Am 5. Juli 2019 um 12:17

    I have received three tickets in three months all speeding over 20kmph in construction zones. How many points can I loose before I receive a driving ban?

    Antworten
12. Maria

    Am 3. Juli 2019 um 22:43

    My son accidentally hitted an old person while driving a pedelec. No serious injury was caused and he was not driving too fast (the old person was crossing the road not in a pedestrians crossing point). We have received a letter that says that criminal charges has been dismissed but can he still get a fine?
    Thanks

    Antworten
    • bussgeldkatalog.org

      Am 4. Juli 2019 um 11:57

      Hello Maria,

      we are not familiar with your case an therefore not able to tell you if there could be a fine. In principle it is possible.

      The team of bussgeldkatalog.org

      Antworten
13. saif a.

    Am 2. Juli 2019 um 13:23

    hello,
    i bought a moped 50cc scooter in Berlin and i was checking it without helmet and insurance on pavement a police officer caught me and said you will be fined can anyone tell me how much will be the fine for driving without insurance ?
    thanks

    Antworten
14. Hossein

    Am 30. Juni 2019 um 17:10

    Hallo
    Im Februar 2018 habe ich für zwei Jahre die Temporäre Aufenthaltskarte in Anspruch genommen (Firmengründung) und bin immer auf Reisen und vielleicht für einen Monat eine Woche in Deutschland. Kann ich einen internationalen Führerschein führen, bis ich einen deutschen Führerschein erhalte, oder muss ich einen deutschen Führerschein haben, weil ich in den letzten sechs Monaten eine Karte bekommen habe?
    Danke

    Antworten
15. Sagar M.

    Am 19. Juni 2019 um 12:35

    Hi,
    I am a resident of Germany with a germany driver’s license. Recently i had a friend visiting me from India who took my car out to drive in the city. He holds an Indian driver’s license and is a good driver. While driving he entered a 30 zone and was 21 kmph over the speed limit and got flashed. I have not received any fine letter yet but i am expecting it soon. My question is as follows
    – My friend is happy to have his name disclosed when i submit a response. How can i provide his details to the authorities so that he receives the fine letter and pays the fine. He has already left for India. Do the authorities send a letter to him directly or can I pay the fine in euros on his behalf?
    – What proof do i need to provide to the authorities so that I dont get charged for his driving. Do i need to provide his driving license number or visa etc?
    – lastly, what if i choose not to disclose his name to the authorities. What are the next steps in such a case?

    Antworten
    • bussgeldkatalog.org

      Am 20. Juni 2019 um 12:06

      Hello Sagar M.,

      you can just give his contact information to the authorities when you receive their letter. A proof for you not driving should be the picture they took of the driver who drove too fast. If you refuse to give those information, they could oblige you to create a list of all the people who drive your car. If this list does not match the formal regulations, you might have to pay a fine.

      Your team of bussgeldkatalog.org

      Antworten
16. Anonimus

    Am 10. Juni 2019 um 22:36

    My friend drived with 0.62alhohol in germany and drug in his blood what is the punishment??

    Antworten
17. imran r.

    Am 17. Mai 2019 um 4:04

    hello i got camera flash while i was on 40km even road speed was 50km and i don’t cross red light i am not sure what happened why camera flashed even nobody was speeding that was rush time and every one was going with same pace do camera make mistake?

    Antworten
18. Svet

    Am 15. Mai 2019 um 22:51

    Hello. I’ve received a fine for passing on red light which results to one month driving ban.
    As I admit my mistake and I’m willing to take the consequences I need information on where I should give/send my license to ensure the penalty is being served. There was no specific information in the letter except that I have to give it within 4 months.
    If it makes difference the region is Badden-Württemberg, Heidelberg.

    Thanks in advance.

    Antworten
19. Sandy

    Am 10. Mai 2019 um 9:48

    Hello,
    I was driving on A5 where there was restricted speeds due to construction. I drive on this stretch almost everyday. There was a limit of 60 km/h and I was driving above it (do not remember how much but should be less than 80). Normally there is no issues and almost everyone drives above. Today I saw a policeman seated on a bike on the other side (normally noone is there) near the exit looking around and writing something down and also felt a ray (not sure if it was sunlight or flash but it did not seem to be a normal flash). Do you think there were mobile camera around ? If so will there be driving ban ?

    Antworten
20. Onyebuchi o

    Am 5. Mai 2019 um 18:32

    I was caught for the first time with alcohol in my system while driving , what will be my Punishment ?

    Antworten
21. Ray

    Am 29. April 2019 um 0:38

    Hello,

    I will be moving to Germany in next few months from another EU member country.
    I only had my license for half a year so far. Which would mean in Germany I would drive in the probationary period. I’ve heard from some sources that you could only lose your license (while in probation) if you get issued one point (or more) because of the violation. For example: Driving 21 km/h + over the limit. So in the unfortunate event I would get caught speeding, however driving only for example 15 km/h over. Is it only punished by fine ? Or are there further repercussions ? And is there any difference regarding this because of me having foreign (though still EU) license ?

    Thanks.

    Antworten
22. Denny

    Am 28. April 2019 um 2:24

    Hello,

    My partner was in Germany in 2013 and had an accident and tried to run away from there and was drunk. They took his driving license and offered him either 100 days prison or €3200 fine and he chose the fine, paid the first instalment and had to go home to Bulgaria for a holiday but decided to stay there and was afraid to go back since then. My question is can he drive or enter Germany at all? Is there a period of time the fine is active?

    Thanks

    Antworten
    • bussgeldkatalog.org

      Am 6. Juni 2019 um 9:28

      Hello Denny,

      your partner should consult a lawyer for an assessment of his situation.

      The team of bussgeldkatalog.org

      Antworten
23. Kamil

    Am 21. April 2019 um 12:30

    Hi,
    camera on motorway make me a picture for speeding. There is any way i can check on any web site that the picture was taken for me or car front of me??

    Antworten
24. Gregorio

    Am 10. April 2019 um 22:34

    Hello,

    6 years ago I got my driving license removed for 16 months due a drink driving offense. After that time I got the driving back, german driving license.

    Last month I commited a speed offense, only 1 point as I was driving 121km/h in a 100km/h road.

    I got a letter from “Regierungspräsidium” where they said Im recidivist and therefore I have to pay much more than the initial 70€.

    I sent a complain that I wasnt agree with this statement and then they just replied with the proof of what happened 6 years back in time. In that record I can see that I got my point increased in number of 5 but they appear “crossed out” so I have no idea if among removing my driving license they add 5 points into my counter …

    So I have 2 questions here:
    1. Didnt I already paid within 16 months and x€ not to be recidivist?
    2. Are those points added into my record even though I got my driving license removed and got a new one?
    3. How can I find this out?

    Thanks a lot,
    Gregorio

    Antworten
25. Amir

    Am 25. März 2019 um 9:48

    I do have a question, if im still in the 6 month period to drive with my foreign license,and i hold automatic but driving manual car , is this normal or not?

    Antworten
26. Yordan

    Am 25. März 2019 um 9:22

    Dear Bussgeldkatalog.org
    I’m EU citizen driving quite often in Germany.
    1. I would like to ask you whether there is a way to check for my registered violations in the system of the German police, for example speeding fines – e.g. online portal, or writing an e-mail to the German road police, etc? I’m asking this question because I wondered whether I will receive all my tickets for violations on my address in my country of residence?
    — What if some letter is lost by an accident and doesn’t arrive, and hence I’m unable to proceed accordingly?
    2. Could you please also explain in further detail the “driving ban” – i.e. for 1, 2, and 3 months? In a previous commentary you said that if a driving ban was imposed for the first time per driver, we can choose WHEN we start? What is the procedure if the driving ban is imposed for a 2nd time, etc.? And HOW do we start the “driving ban”? WHERE do we send our driving license in order to be registered in the police data base? Can we request that our driving license is returned to a temporary address of residence in Germany?
    Thank you very much for these clarifications!
    Have a nice day.
    BR, Yordan

    Antworten
27. Daniel

    Am 9. März 2019 um 16:16

    Hi,

    I was driving on the highway with waze app and the spped limit was 130 on the app and i saw two indicators with 130 speed limit and 80 right below 130 sign. On the side of the road was a police car and i think i saw a flesh but i was on autopilot driving relaxed because i saw 130 limit…

    What to expect?
    I have an uk driving licence

    Antworten
28. Choudary

    Am 4. März 2019 um 11:32

    Hello,
    My probation period was extended around 1,5 years ago due to over speeding in town (21 km/h).
    I got a camera flash today on Autobahn and I guess I was overspeeding around 21-22 km/h.
    What consequences can this have on my driving licence? Do I have to again go to Seminar for new drivers and will my probation period once again be extended?
    Thanks in advance for sparing time to answer my queries.

    Antworten
29. Jacinta

    Am 3. März 2019 um 0:29

    I was over speeding a month ago,it was on the highway and so I was at 152 instead of 100
    I got a post and lost my driver license for a month.but before loosing it,while driving to Frankfurt on the highway again I got a post that I was speeding at 133 instead of 100,will I loose my driver licence again? received my post today,and my driver licence is not yet back until after 10 days from first ban.kindly advice.
    Regards

    Antworten
30. Kamara

    Am 23. Februar 2019 um 12:11

    Hi,
    I used to live in Germany and then moved to Uganda for two years. I’m a holder of a Ugandan drivers license and will be moving back to Germany. Do I quality to use my license for six months?
    Thanks

    Antworten