Question 1

How accurate is the traffic fine calculator?

Accepted Answer

The calculator uses the standard rates from the official German fine catalogue (annex to the BKatV) as in force on 24 Sept 2026, the points rating from Annex 13 of the Driving Licence Regulation and the fees under § 107 OWiG. Standard rates apply to negligent offences without special circumstances. With intent, prior entries or special circumstances the authority may deviate. The calculator is not legal advice.

Question 2

How much tolerance is deducted from a speed measurement?

Accepted Answer

Up to a reading of 100 km/h, 3 km/h is deducted; above that, 3% of the reading. The result is rounded down to whole km/h in your favour. Example: a reading of 76 km/h gives a chargeable 73 km/h. At 153 km/h the deduction is 3% = 4.59 km/h, leaving 148 km/h. Some methods, such as measuring by following a vehicle, use larger deductions.

Question 3

From how many km/h too fast are there points and a driving ban?

Accepted Answer

In a car, you get one point from 21 km/h over the limit. In town, 31 km/h too fast brings two points and a one-month driving ban; out of town this starts at 41 km/h. A one-month ban also applies if you were at least 26 km/h too fast twice within one year (§ 4 (2) BKatV). Up to 20 km/h over the limit there are no points.

Question 4

How much does running a red light cost?

Accepted Answer

If the light had been red for less than one second, it costs €90 and one point. Once the red phase lasted more than one second (qualified red light offence) it is €200, two points and a one-month driving ban. With endangerment the rate rises to €320, with property damage to €360. Even a simple red light offence with endangerment (€200) or property damage (€240) carries a one-month ban.

Question 5

What is the penalty for using a phone at the wheel?

Accepted Answer

A car driver who unlawfully uses a phone or other electronic device pays €100 and gets one point. With endangerment it is €150, two points and a one-month driving ban; with property damage €200, two points and a one-month ban. During probation it counts as a category A offence and leads to a remedial course.

Question 6

How is a distance offence calculated?

Accepted Answer

The yardstick is half the speedometer reading in metres: at 120 km/h that is 60 m. For speeds above 80 km/h, the fine catalogue grades offences by the share you kept — less than 5/10, 4/10, 3/10, 2/10 or 1/10. At 120 km/h and 15 m distance that is 2.5/10, i.e. the 'less than 3/10' band: €160, two points and a one-month driving ban. Distance offences only carry a driving ban above 100 km/h.

Question 7

What fees are added to the fine?

Accepted Answer

From a fine of €60, a formal fine notice is issued. For this, the authority charges a fee under § 107 OWiG of 5% of the fine, at least €25, plus €3.50 for formal delivery. A €115 fine therefore costs €143.50 in total. Caution fees up to €55 carry no fees.

Question 8

What happens during the probation period?

Accepted Answer

Speeding, distance, red light and phone offences count as serious (category A) under Annex 12 FeV as soon as they are entered in the driving aptitude register, i.e. bring points. The authority then orders a remedial course and the probation period is extended by two years. Anyone who offends again after the course receives a warning; the third time, the licence is revoked.

Question 9

When does a traffic offence become time-barred?

Accepted Answer

Since 1 July 2026, the limitation period for traffic offences under § 26 (3) StVG is a uniform six months. The former rule of three months until the fine notice is issued no longer applies. Certain steps by the authority, such as the hearing letter, interrupt the period and restart it.

Guide: Traffic Fine Calculator

Germany's Fine Catalogue 2026: Fines, Points and Driving Bans Explained

Caught by a Speed Camera: How the Tolerance Deduction Works

Reducing Penalty Points in Flensburg: Deletion Periods and Seminars

Offences During the Probation Period: Remedial Course, Extension and What Follows

Objecting to a German Fine Notice: Deadlines, Procedure and Limitation

You might also find useful

Blood Alcohol Calculator

Driver's License Cost Calculator

Vehicle Tax Calculator