International Traffic Fines: When and How They're Enforced in Germany
International Enforcement of Foreign Fines: Conditions for Collection
Thinking about blowing off that speeding ticket from your last vacation? Think again, warns the ADAC. Leaving unpaid fines from abroad could lead to unexpected complications on your next holiday.
In the EU, fines of €70 or more from other member countries can, in certain cases, be enforced in Germany, according to the automobile club. For fines from Austria, this applies even when the fine is as low as €25, while Swiss fines can be enforced here when they exceed €85.
Who's responsible for enforcing these fines? The Federal Office of Justice has the authority to enforce police fines, with private debt collection agencies being prohibited from enforcing public-law claims stemming from traffic offenses in Germany.
Speedy Payment, Speedy Savings?
Ignoring the fine isn't the only option. Some countries, like Spain and Italy, offer discounts for quick payment. In Spain, a 50% discount applies when the fine is paid within 20 days, while in Italy, a 30% discount is available if the payment is made within five days of receiving the fine. Other countries also offer such incentives for timely payment.
However, vocalize your objections to the fine as soon as possible if you believe it's unjust. If the matter is taken to court, any discount might be lost.
A Potential Crackdown on Driving Bans
The European Union is working towards making driving bans enforceable across Europe, according to the ADAC[2]. This could change the landscape for drivers who commit traffic offenses abroad. Late payers beware: unpaid fines may affect your travel plans, with airport passport control possibly presenting a roadblock.
In Germany, points and driving bans only apply in the country where the traffic offense was committed, so don't expect a penalty in Germany for a speeding ticket you received abroad.
Sources: ntv.de, awi/dpa
- Road traffic
- ADAC
- EU
Enrichment Data:
Overview
As part of the EU's efforts to standardize traffic rules, international agreements have been established to allow countries to enforce traffic fines across borders. For example, a German-Swiss Police Treaty, effective since May 1st, 2024, permits the enforcement of traffic fines issued in Switzerland against drivers in Germany and vice versa[1].
Discounts for prompt payment of traffic fines are a common practice in many jurisdictions, aiming to encourage on-time payments and reduce administrative costs associated with unpaid fines. The exact reduction in fines for quick payment can vary depending on the state or local authority issuing the fine.
[1] "German-Swiss Police Treaty: Enforcement of traffic fines to begin in May 2024," SwissInfo, March 27, 2023, https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/german-swiss-police-treaty-enforcement-of-traffic-fines-to-begin-in-may-2024/48072798[2] "Driving bans could become enforced across Europe," Euractiv, October 14, 2022, https://www.euractiv.com/section/policy-briefs/news/driving-bans-could-become-enforced-across-europe/
- In line with the EU's initiatives, policymakers may soon implement a community policy where driving bans from traffic offenses committed abroad could be enforced across Europe, potentially creating hurdles for late payers at airport passport control.
- Alongside the community policy, individual countries like Spain and Italy offer employment policies that incentivize timely payment of traffic fines with discounts, with Spain offering a 50% reduction when the fine is paid within 20 days and Italy providing a 30% discount within five days of receiving the fine.
