Germany

Fines for speeding in Germany

  • Up to 10 km/h over the limit: €20 fine.
  • 11–15 km/h over the limit: €40 fine.
  • 16–20 km/h over the limit: €60 fine.
  • 21–25 km/h over the limit: €100 fine and 1 penalty point.
  • 26–30 km/h over the limit: €150 fine, 1 penalty point, and a possible 1-month driving ban.
  • 31–40 km/h over the limit: €200 fine, 1 penalty point, and a 1-month driving ban.
  • 41–50 km/h over the limit: €320 fine, 2 penalty points, and a 1-month driving ban.
  • 51–60 km/h over the limit: €480 fine, 2 penalty points, and a 2-month driving ban.
  • 61–70 km/h over the limit: €600 fine, 2 penalty points, and a 2-month driving ban.
  • Over 70 km/h over the limit: €700 fine, 2 penalty points, and a 3-month driving ban.

Note: A driving ban usually applies only if you exceed the speed limit by 26 km/h or more twice within a year.

Do I need to purchase Vignette?

In Germany, there is no vignette system for passenger vehicles, but there are specific tolls for certain vehicles and infrastructure. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Who Needs a Vignette?

  • No vignette required for passenger vehicles (cars, motorcycles).
  • Toll system: Germany does not require a vignette for general use of roads or highways but has a toll system for trucks and certain tunnels and bridges.

2. Where Are Tolls Needed?

  • Highways (Autobahnen): Germany’s famous Autobahnen (motorways) are toll-free for passenger vehicles. You can drive on most highways without paying any tolls.
  • Toll Roads:
    • For trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tons, Germany uses a distance-based toll system on Autobahnen and certain expressways. This system is known as the Toll Collect system, where tolls are calculated based on the distance driven.
    • Tunnels & Bridges: Some specific infrastructure, like the Warnow Tunnel in Rostock and Blankenburg Tunnel in Hamburg, charge tolls for both passenger vehicles and trucks.

3. Toll Prices

  • For Trucks and Large Vehicles:
    • Tolls are distance-based and depend on factors such as the weight and emissions class of the vehicle. For trucks, the average toll rate is €0.10 to €0.20 per kilometer, depending on the route.
    • For example, a truck driving from Munich to Hamburg might pay around €50 to €80 in tolls, depending on the specific route and vehicle.
  • Toll for Tunnels and Bridges:
    • Warnow Tunnel: Around €3.00 to €5.00 for passenger cars.
    • Blankenburg Tunnel: A toll of €2.00 to €3.00 for passenger vehicles.

4. Where to Pay Tolls

  • For Trucks (Over 3.5 tons):
    • The toll is collected electronically through the Toll Collect system, which uses a GPS-based method to charge vehicles as they drive on toll roads.
    • Trucks need to register for this system and use an on-board unit (OBU) to pay the tolls automatically.
  • For Tunnels and Bridges:
    • Manual Payment: You pay tolls at toll booths on specific bridges or tunnels. These are usually straightforward payments via cash or credit/debit cards.
    • Electronic Toll Systems: Some tunnels or private toll roads also accept electronic toll tags for faster payments, similar to the Telepeage system in France.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • For Trucks (Over 3.5 tons):
    • Trucks using toll roads without paying can face heavy fines, usually starting from €200 to €300 for non-compliance.
  • For Tunnels and Bridges:
    • Failure to pay at toll booths can lead to fines starting around €20 to €50. The amount may increase depending on the specific infrastructure and severity of the violation.

6. Additional Information

  • Environmental Zones: Some German cities (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt) have low-emission zones (LEZs) where vehicles must meet specific emission standards to enter. You may need to display an environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) on your vehicle if you plan to drive in these areas.
  • Toll-Free Roads: The majority of the Autobahn network remains toll-free for passenger vehicles. Non-toll routes are also available for avoiding specific toll roads or bridges.

7. Tips for Travelers

  • No Need for a Vignette: You do not need a vignette for general driving on highways or roads.
  • Electronic Toll Collection for Trucks: If you’re driving a truck or large vehicle, ensure you have registered for the Toll Collect system.
  • Check Tunnels and Bridges: If you’re traveling on routes with tunnels or bridges, be prepared to pay tolls at booths or electronically.
  • Plan Your Route: If you’re looking to avoid tolls, you can use alternative routes (usually longer) that do not involve tolls or environmental zones.