Foreign drivers in Germany are also required to follow local traffic laws. Find out what fines violators face in 2025

Germany is known for its strict but fair traffic laws. Anyone who does not behave properly on the road can expect severe penalties, from simple fines to the loss of their driving license. From January 2025, new, sometimes stricter rules will come into effect in the fine catalogue. In this article, you will find out what penalties you face, how high the fines are now, and what you as a driver – whether a local or a tourist – should know.

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What are the penalties for breaking traffic rules in Germany?

In Germany, there are several types of sanctions for traffic violators:

1. Fines

These fines apply to minor violations, such as illegal parking or minor speeding. The amount usually ranges from 10 to over 500 euros – depending on the violation.

2. Points in the driving record

Each more serious violation is recorded in the points system of the Federal Road Transport Authority (KBA). Between 1 and 3 points can be awarded per violation.

The points are valid for between 2.5 and 10 years.

Depending on the number of points, drivers face different penalties:

- With 5 points: the driver must take a driving refresher course (cost: 300–400 euros).

- With 6 points: driving ban.

- With 8 points: driving license withdrawal.

3. Driving ban

Depending on the severity of the violation, a temporary driving ban may be imposed - often for a period of 1 to 3 months. This is particularly common in cases of:

- Repeated speeding.

- Traffic violations related to alcohol or drugs.

- Dangerous driving behavior.

4. Driving license suspension

Anyone who accumulates 8 points or more will lose their driving license. Renewal is only possible after a medical and, if necessary, psychological examination (MPU).

The most important fines in Germany in 2025

In 2025, Germany will apply stricter fines for the most common traffic violations. Here are the most important examples:

- Illegal parking on sidewalks, cycle paths or safety lanes costs between 55 and 110 euros. If traffic is blocked, an additional point can be added to the driver's license.

- Double parking, i.e. parking a car in a way that obstructs the movement of other vehicles, results in a fine of between 88 and 138 euros and one point.

- Using a mobile phone while driving costs at least 100 euros. If it endangers others, the fine increases to 200 euros, as well as two points and a one-month driving ban.

- Speeding in urban areas starts at 30 euros for minor speeding offences. Higher speeds (for example, more than 21 km/h over the limit) result in fines of up to 800 euros, two points and a one-month driving ban.

- Running a red light costs at least 90 euros. If the red light is on for more than one second or if other people are in danger, the fine increases to 200 euros, with two points on your license and a driving ban.

- Failure to comply with the requirements for forming an emergency lane in a traffic jam can result in a fine of 200 to 320 euros, plus two penalty points and a one-month driving ban.

- Driving a vehicle in an environmental zone without a valid sticker costs 80 euros - even for vehicles with foreign registration.

- Driving without a seat belt - 30 euros.

- If the violation concerns children (without a car seat or improper transportation), the amount increases to 60-90 euros, and 1 penalty point is added.

- Incorrect overtaking across a solid line or in a prohibited place - from 70 to 250 euros, 1-2 points and a possible temporary driving ban.

- Failure to indicate a lane change or direction of traffic can result in a fine of up to 30-35 euros, and in case of creating a hazard - up to 70 euros and 1 point.

- Lack of proper insurance or registration – fines of 40 to 100 euros, and in some cases – criminal liability.

- Driving without winter tires in the appropriate season – 60 euros, if it creates a danger – 80 euros and 1 point.

- Using a car with excessive exhaust, a loud muffler or illegal lighting can lead to fines of 90 to 135 euros and a temporary ban on using the vehicle.

These fines apply equally to German citizens and foreign nationals driving in Germany.

Drunk driving in Germany

Germany has strict blood alcohol limits:

- For drivers with less than 2 years of experience or under 21: zero tolerance, even 0.01‰ – 250 euros, 1 point, road safety course.

For the rest:

- From 0.5‰ – 500 euros, 2 points, 1 month ban;

- For repeat offenses – up to 1,500 euros, 3 points, license suspension.

- From 1.1 ppm: criminal offense, license suspension, fine or imprisonment

Important! Electric scooter drivers are also subject to the same blood alcohol limits.

How to pay a fine in Germany?

If you receive a fine in Germany, it is usually sent by post in the form of a so-called fine notice. Payment must be made within 14 days. The transfer is made to the bank account provided by the responsible fines department.

If the driver has left Germany after receiving the fine, payment can be made using the details provided through the bank. If the payment is delayed for a long time, the amount of the fine will increase continuously. In the future, the bailiff may even remove valuables from the house to repay the debt. Failure to pay the fine puts the individual at risk of being banned from entering Germany or the entire European Union.

What should foreigners know about paying fines?

- Drivers with foreign license plates are also required to pay fines.

- Unpaid fines can lead to problems during re-entry or vehicle inspections.

- In most cases, legal advice will be useful, especially in cases of high fines or driving bans.

Germany is tightening traffic enforcement in 2025, and this applies not only to local drivers, but also to foreigners. Even minor violations, such as improper parking or using a phone while driving, can cost hundreds of euros. Drivers should be especially careful about following the speed limit, overtaking rules, drinking alcohol before a trip, and having the appropriate documents and stickers. Responsibility on the roads is not only a legal requirement, but also a guarantee of your safety.

If you are not sure how the procedure for collecting a fine for violating traffic rules will work in your case or what you may encounter abroad, we recommend that you contact a legal specialist or a traffic law expert.

Reminder! Planning a trip to Germany in 2025? We have already talked about the current entry rules, types of visas, the most interesting tourist locations, useful tips for travelers and important safety recommendations. This guide will help you prepare for your trip and make it as comfortable and safe as possible.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

Legal advice on business issues in Germany;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Germany;

Medical insurance around the world.

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