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4.4.2024

Speeding Tickets in Germany: Learn the Rules to Avoid Penalties

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.

Speeding Tickets in Germany: Learn the Rules to Avoid Penalties

Stay updated on the regulations – explore the essential information on speeding tickets in Germany in 2024. Join us as we discuss German traffic laws.

Speeding Tickets in Germany – What Are the Penalties for Speeding?

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.

Speeding Tickets on the Autobahn – Regulations and Fine Amounts

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?

  • Exceeding by up to 10 km/h – 58.50 euros.
  • 11 to 15 km/h – 78.50 euros.
  • 16 to 20 km/h – 168.50 euros, 1 penalty point.
  • 21 to 25 km/h – 178.50 euros, 1 penalty point.
  • 26 to 30 km/h – 203.50 euros, 1 penalty point, possible 1-month driving ban*.
  • 31 to 40 km/h – 283.50 euros, 2 penalty points, 1-month driving ban.
  • 41 to 50 km/h – 480 euros, 2 penalty points, 1-month driving ban.
  • 51 to 60 km/h – 600 euros, 2 penalty points, 2-month driving ban.
  • Over 60 km/h – 700 euros, 2 penalty points, 3-month driving ban.

* Driving ban usually only applies if you exceed the speed limit by 26 km/h or more twice within a year.

How to Check Speeding Tickets in Germany and Avoid Additional Costs?

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?

  • Check your mail: If you have received a ticket in Germany or another European country, it should be sent to the address you provided during vehicle registration. The letter (translated) will contain information about the legal basis and the penalty imposed for the offense. You will also receive a questionnaire for a possible appeal against the imposed penalty.
  • Contact the issuing authority: In case of doubts or questions, it is advisable to directly contact the entity that issued the traffic ticket.

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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