The German traffic code is known for having relatively strict regulations and high fines for drivers who exceed the speed limit. Moreover, in recent years the fine schedule in our western neighbor has been modified, making it even more stringent. This is important for professional drivers and transport companies to be aware of, considering Germany's pivotal role in European road transport and its status as a key transit country.
Stay updated on the regulations – explore the essential information on speeding tickets in Germany in 2024. Join us as we discuss German traffic laws.
In Germany, like in other countries, the size of a fine depends on factors such as the speed exceeded, the location of the offence, and the vehicle category. In addition to hefty fines, drivers surpassing the speed limit may also accumulate penalty points and face the possibility of losing their license for a period ranging from 30 days to 3 months. Importantly, any license suspension only applies within Germany.
Let's take a closer look at the current fine schedule in Germany.
Germany is one of the countries where, in principle, there is no speed limit on the autobahns for vehicles up to 3.5 tons of permissible total weight. While drivers are advised not to exceed 130 km/h, it remains a recommendation rather than an obligation.
However, different rules apply to heavy vehicles. According to the regulations on German autobahns, the maximum allowed speed for trucks is 80 km/h. In some cases, such as convoy driving, this speed may be reduced to 60 km/h. For expressways, vehicles with a total weight up to 3.5 tons can travel at speeds up to 100 km/h, while heavier vehicles are limited to 60 km/h.
In undeveloped areas, fines for trucks in Germany range from 30 euros to a whopping 700 euros. What does the fine schedule look like in 2024?
* Driving ban usually only applies if you exceed the speed limit by 26 km/h or more twice within a year.
For European road services, the legal basis for exchanging necessary data on drivers who have violated traffic rules is the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU) 2015/413 of March 11, 2015, on facilitating cross-border exchange of information on road safety-related traffic offenses.
The information exchange occurs through the dedicated European Traffic Information Exchange system (EUCARIS). The system enables the identification of vehicles and the verification of document validity. By using EUCARIS, road services can easily and quickly transmit information about committed offenses, thereby enforcing fines more effectively.
How to Check Unpaid Tickets from Germany?
If you receive a ticket in Germany, it's important to settle it within the specified timeframe, regardless of the imposed fine. This way, you can avoid additional costs, such as late payment fees.
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