Bußgeld — Traffic Fines in Germany

What is Bußgeld and Bußgeldbescheid

In Germany, you pay a Bußgeld (fine) for traffic violations. After an offense, the authority (Bußgeldstelle) sends you a Bußgeldbescheid — a written decision with the amount, any Punkte (points) in Flensburg, and sometimes a Fahrverbot (driving ban). The decision is sent by mail to the address on your registration, so after moving, be sure to do your registration and re-registration — otherwise you won't receive the letter and might miss the appeal deadline.

2026 Rates — Speed Violation

Fines according to Bußgeldkatalog 2026:
- outside built-up areas: from 20 to 700 €,
- in built-up areas: from 30 to 800 € (fines are higher in cities).

Punkte in Flensburg are added from 21 km/h over the limit — both in cities and outside. Fahrverbot (1-month driving ban) is imposed from 31 km/h over the limit in built-up areas and from 41 km/h outside built-up areas. You'll also receive a ban as a repeat offender (twice over 26 km/h within one year).

Points and Loss of License

You accumulate points in the Fahreignungsregister in Flensburg. At 8 points, the authority withdraws your driver's license — then you face the entire procedure for regaining it. Details about the document itself and its replacement can be found in the article driver's license in Germany. Fahrverbot is particularly painful when driving is part of your job — check what your Arbeitsvertrag says about it.

Einspruch — Appeal

You have 2 weeks from the date of receiving the Bußgeldbescheid to file an Einspruch (appeal). You submit it in writing to the office indicated in the decision. If you miss the deadline, the decision becomes final and you must pay. With a speed camera (Blitzer), it's worth checking whether the photo actually shows you as the driver.