content area
Schedule of Fines
Extract from the Schedule of Fines and Penalty Points (As at: 1 Februar, 2009)
New fines as from 1 February 2009 to combat the main causes of road accidents
The implementation of higher maximum fines for traffic offences aims at improving road safety in Germany. They are primarily targeted at the main causes of road accidents, such as
- inappropriate speed
- dangerous overtaking
- right-of-way violations
- ignoring red lights
- failure to keep a safe distance to the vehicle in front.
According to provisional results of the Federal Statistical Office, 4,467 persons were killed in road traffic accidents in Germany in 2008. The cause of almost all accidents (95 per cent) is human error. Up to now, the fines in Germany were rather low in comparison with other European countries. Countries such as the Netherlands, Great Britain and Sweden rank top in road safety performance, with the fines for dangerous driving offences being considerably higher in these countries. Therefore, raising the maximum fines was appropriate and necessary.
The new maximum fines were introduced by an amendment to the Road Traffic Act. The Schedule of Penalties Regulations entered into force on 1 February 2009.
Overview of the most important changes:
| Traffic offence | fine (euros) | fine (euros) |
| Inappropriate speed | 50 | 100 |
| Failure to keep to the right | 40 | 80 |
| Motorway offences (such as making a U-turn, reversing, failure to give way, etc.) | 40 - 150 | 70 - 200 |
| Failure to keep a safe distance to the vehicle in front | 40 - 250 (depending on the speed and distance in any given case) | 75 - 400 (depending on the speed and distance in any given case) |
| Speeding offence (within built-up areas) *) | 50 - 425 (depending on the extent to which the speed limit was exceeded) | 80 - 760 (depending on the extent to which the speed limit was exceeded) |
| Speeding offence (outside built-up areas) *) | 40 - 375 (depending on the extent to which the speed limit was exceeded) | 70 - 600 (depending on the extent to which the speed limit was exceeded) |
| Failure to show consideration for vulnerable road users | 60 | 80 |
| Pedestrian crossing offences | 50 | 80 |
| Level crossing offences | 50 - 450 | 80 - 700 |
| Dangerous overtaking | 40 - 125 | Doubling of the relevant fine (80 - 250) |
| Failure to give way | 50 | 100 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs | 250 (first offence) | 500 (first offence) |
| Failure to adhere to the zero alcohol limit for novice drivers | 125 | 250 |
| Failure to stop at a red traffic light | 50 - 200 | 90 - 360 |
| Illegal motor racing | 200 (organizer) | 500 (organizer) |
| Operating a motor vehicle in a defective condition | 50 - 150 | 80 - 270 |
| Overloading by more than 5 per cent in the case of HGVs and by more than 20 per cent in the case of passenger cars | 50 - 200 (HGV driver) | 80 - 380 (HGV driver) 95 - 235 (passenger car) |
| Driving an HGV on a Sunday in contravention of the ban | 40 (driver) | 75 (driver) |
*) speed limit exceeded by at least 16 kph for HGVs and buses and by at least 21 kph for passenger cars The following extract from the Schedule of Fines and Penalty Points is intended as a service for interested road users. It provides information on offences that are likely to cause serious accidents and the legal consequences of these offences, such as All road users are obliged to ensure that they do not obstruct, inconvenience or even endanger or harm other road users. This is not an official text. We cannot guarantee its correctness or completeness. Nor can we accept any liability for any damage that may occur in connection with the use of this information. You can find a detailed overview of the Schedule of Fines and Penalty Points plus further information on the website of the Federal Motor Transport Authority. A link to this site can be found in the column on the right-hand side of this page. Offence Driving on a Sunday or public holiday in contravention of the ban 40 1 200 1 0.3 (30 mg/100 ml) or above 7 points Fine or Withdrawal of driving licence 7 points Fine or Withdrawal of driving licence 0.5 (50 mg/100 ml) or above 4 points Up to 3.000 euros Disqualification (up to 3 months) 7 points Fine or Withdrawal of driving licence 7 points Fine or Withdrawal of driving licence 1.1 (110 mg/100 ml) 7 points Fine or Withdrawal of driving licence 7 points Fine or Withdrawal of driving licence 7 points Fine or Withdrawal of driving licence The figures marked with an asterisk apply if the measured speed is over 100 kph. Offence 5/10 of half the speedometer reading 75 1 4/10 of half the speedometer reading 100 2 3/10 of half the speedometer reading 160 3 1* 2/10 of half the speedometer reading 240 4 2* 1/10 of half the speedometer reading 320 4 3* Offence 5/10 of half the speedometer reading 100 2 4/10 of half the speedometer reading 180 3 3/10 of half the speedometer reading 240 4 1 2/10 of half the speedometer reading 320 4 2 1/10 of half the speedometer reading 400 4 3 Offence Failure to stop before turning right 70 3 Endangering vehicular traffic that is allowed to proceed, with the exception of bicycles on cycle track crossings 100 3 Obstructing pedestrians or bicycles on cycle track crossings that are allowed to proceed 100 3 Endangering pedestrians or bicycles on cycle track crossings that are allowed to proceed 150 3 Offence Failure to stop after an accident, if the offender shows active remorse, if the court mitigates the sentence or refrains from imposing a sentence 5 Other cases of hit-and-run 7 Offence Failure to keep to the right when there is oncoming traffic, when being overtaken, at the brow of a hill, on bends or when the driver' view is restricted, thereby endangering other road users 80 2 Failure to keep to the right on motorways or motor roads, thereby endangering other road users 80 1 Offence Failure to give way to a rail-borne vehicle 80 3 Driving across a level crossing in contravention of the obligation to wait although a rail-borne vehicle is approaching 80 3 Driving across a level crossing in contravention of the obligation to wait, although the amber or red lights are flashing / the barriers are lowering / an official has given the order to stop 240 4 1 As a road user other than the driver of a motor vehicle, crossing a level crossing when the barriers are closed 350 4 As the driver of a motor vehicle, crossing a level crossing when the barriers are closed 700 4 3 The Schedule of Fines and Penalty Points does not cover the use of mobile phones as a deliberate offence. The level of the penalty has been agreed between the federal states and the Federal Government. Offence Using a mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle 40 1 Using a mobile phone while riding a bicycle 25 Offence Making a U-turn, reversing or driving against the traffic flow on a slip road 75 4 Making a U-turn, reversing or driving against the traffic flow on a collector or distributor lane or on the hard shoulder 130 4 Making a U-turn, reversing or driving against the traffic flow on the main carriageway 200 4 1 Using the hard shoulder to overtake other vehicles 75 2 Parking a vehicle on a motorway or motor road 70 2 The penalty for making a U-turn, reversing or driving against the traffic flow in flagrant contravention of traffic regulations and in a reckless manner, or attempting to do so, is 7 points in the Central Register of Traffic Offenders, imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine plus withdrawal of the offender's driving licence if such behaviour could injure or kill or another person or cause harm to a third party's property of considerable value. Offence Overtaking on the right within built-up areas 30 Overtaking on the right within built-up areas and causing damage to property 35 Overtaking on the right outside built-up areas 100 3 Overtaking at a speed that is not considerably higher than the vehicle being overtaken 80 1 Overtaking despite being unable to see that, for the entire duration of the overtaking manoeuvre, oncoming traffic will not be obstructed, or overtaking in an unclear traffic situation 100 3 Overtaking despite being unable to see that, for the entire duration of the overtaking manoeuvre, oncoming traffic will not be obstructed, or overtaking in an unclear traffic situation, and in doing so 150 4 Overtaking despite being unable to see that, for the entire duration of the overtaking manoeuvre, oncoming traffic will not be obstructed, or overtaking in an unclear traffic situation, and in doing so Overtaking where this is prohibited by "no overtaking" signs (signs 276, 277) 70 1 Overtaking while driving a vehicle with a maximum permissible weight of 7.5 tonnes or more although visibility is less than 50 metres due to fog, snow or rain 120 4 Overtaking while driving a vehicle with a maximum permissible weight of 7.5 tonnes or more although visibility is less than 50 metres due to fog, snow or rain, and in doing so 80 2 Offence Not allowing a person with precedence to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing if it is apparent that they intend to do so, or not reducing speed when approaching the crossing, or overtaking at a pedestrian crossing 80 4 Offence Disqualification Failure to stop at a red traffic light 90 3 Failure to stop a red traffic light, thereby Failure to stop at a traffic light that has been showing "red" for more than 1 second 200 4 1 Failure to stop at a traffic light that has been showing "red" for more than 1 second, thereby Offence As a driver obliged to give way, failure to reduce speed when approaching a priority road 10 Failure to give way, thereby considerably obstructing a driver who has right of way 25 Failure to give way, thereby endangering a driver who has right of way 100 3 Failure to give way to traffic on the main carriageway when joining a motorway or motor road 75 3 Failure to obey a stop sign, thereby endangering another road user 50 3 Offence: deadline exceeded by Up to 2 months 15 2 to 4 months 25 4 to 8 months 40 1 More than 8 months 75 2 Offence: deadline exceeded by 2 to 4 months 15 4 to 8 months 25 More than 8 months 40 2 Offence Failure to wear seat belt, including on buses and coaches (passenger) 30 Carrying a child who is not secured as required by law, but using a child restraint 30 Carrying two or more children who are not secured as required by law, but using child restraints 35 Carrying a child without using a child restraint 40 1 Carrying two or more children without using child restraints 50 1 Offence Driving at an excessive, inappropriate speed despite the fact that a danger spot is indicated, where the driver's view is restricted, at intersections, junctions, level crossings or in poor visibility or bad weather (e.g. fog or ice) 100 3 Speed limit exceeded by Up to 10 15 11 to 15 25 16 to 20 35 21 to 25 80 1 26 to 30 100 3 31 to 40 160 3 1 41 to 50 200 4 1 51 to 60 280 4 2 61 to 70 480 4 3 Over 70 680 4 3 Speed limit exceeded by Up to 10 10 11 to 15 20 16 to 20 30 21 to 25 70 1 26 to 30 80 3 31 to 40 120 3 41 to 50 160 3 1 51 to 60 240 4 1 61 to 70 440 4 2 Over 70 600 4 3 Offence Failure to pass nearside-to-nearside when turning left, thereby endangering another road user 70 1 Turning without waiting for another vehicle to pass, thereby endangering another road user 70 2 Turning without showing consideration for a pedestrian, thereby endangering them 70 2 Endangering another road user when turning into a driveway, making a U-turn or reversing 80 2 Offence Covering registration plate with glass, foil or similar materials 50 1 Operating a motor vehicle (except motor-assisted bicycle) or trailer with worn tyres 50 3 or, as the keeper of the vehicle, ordering or permitting such operation 75 3 Operating a motor vehicle or trailer in a defective condition (e.g. trailer towing device) 90 3 or, as the keeper of the vehicle, ordering or permitting such operation 135 3 Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA)Link to the website of the Federal Motor Transport Authority © 2010 Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban DevelopmentTo top Schedule of Fines - extract
Alphabetical index of the extract from the Schedule of Fines and Penalty Points
Ban on HGVs driving on Sundays
Table of penalties for driving an HGV on Sundays
Euros Points As the keeper of the vehicle, ordering that it be driven on a Sunday or public holiday Drink driving
Table of penalties for drink driving
Blood alcohol level [promille] If there are no signs that the driver is unfit to drive If there are signs that the driver is unfit to drive If the driver causes an accident
(Effects of alcohol become apparent)
imprisonment (up to 5 years)
imprisonment (up to 5 years)
(Risk of accident twice as high)
imprisonment (up to 5 years)
imprisonment (up to 5 years)
(Risk of accident more than ten times as high)
imprisonment (up to 5 years)
imprisonment (up to 5 years)
imprisonment (up to 5 years)Distance
Table of penalties for failure to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front (in metres at a speed of over 80 kilometres per hour (kph))
Distance from the vehicle in front is less thanEuros Points Disqualification
[months] Table of penalties for failure to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front (in metres at a speed of over 130 kph)
Distance from the vehicle in front is less thanEuros Points Disqualification
[months] Green arrow
Table of penalties for green arrow offences
Euros Points Hit-and-run
Table of penalties for hit-and-run offences
Points
(accident in stationary traffic, minor property damage, offender reports accident within 24 hours) Keeping to the right
Table of penalties for failure to keep to the right
Euros Points Level crossings
Table of penalties for level crossing offences
Euros Points Disqualification
[months] Mobile phones
Table of penalties for failure to comply with the ban on using mobile phones while driving or riding
Euros Points Motorways and motor roads
Table of penalties for motorway and motor road offences
Euros Points Disqualification
[months] Overtaking
Table of penalties for illegal overtaking
Euros Points Disqualification
[months]
250
300
4
4
1
1
200
240
4
4
1
1 Pulling out to overtake and in doing so, endangering traffic approaching from behind Pedestrian crossing
Table of penalties for pedestrian crossing offences
Euros Points Red lights
Table of penalties for red light offences
Euros Points
[months]
200
240
4
4
1
1
320
360
4
4
1
1Right of way
Table of penalties for right of way offences
Euros Points Roadworthiness test
Table of penalties for failure to present a heavy goods vehicle, bus, coach or other vehicle for which a safety check is required for a roadworthiness test
Euros Points Table of penalties for failure to present a passenger car, motorcycle or other vehicle for a roadworthiness test
Euros Points Seat belts and child restraints
Table of penalties for seat belt and child restraint offences
Euros Points Speeding
Table of penalties for speeding offences
Euros Points
Table of penalties for speeding in built-up areas
(passenger cars, other motor vehicles with a maximum permissible weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes)
[kilometres per hour]Euros Points Disqualification
[months] Table of penalties for speeding outside built-up areas
(passenger cars, other motor vehicles with a maximum permissible weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes)
[kilometres per hour]Euros Points Disqualification
[months] Turning
Table of penalties for turning offences
Euros Points Vehicle defects
Table of penalties for vehicle defect offences
Euros Points right column
External Links
