Fines from abroad: What you should know for 2023

Fines in France: Speed limits for novice drivers

Even minor speeding can result in high fines in neighboring France. If you have driven 20 km/h too fast in built-up areas, you can already face a fine of 135 euros. From 50 km/h speeding, even 1,500 euros are due. The special feature: The level of the speed limit in France is tied to the duration of driving licence ownership. Novice drivers in France are only allowed to drive 110 km/h on motorways and only 100 km/h on expressways for the first three years after obtaining their driving licence. Anyone who violates this risks a fine. A parking ticket for illegal parking in France can be cheaper. At least 15 euros are due for this.

Fines in the Netherlands: Numerous control systems throughout the country

In the Netherlands, you should expect radar controls almost everywhere. In addition to conventional radars, the average speed over longer distances is measured by section control, also known as route radar. If the permissible speed limit is exceeded by 5 km/h or more, a fine will be imposed. You should expect to pay at least 36 euros for speed violations in the Netherlands. Fines for parking violations, on the other hand, are lower in comparison: You have to pay for them from 60 euros.

Denmark: Missing daytime running lights threatens fine

In a total of 20 European countries, it is a legal requirement to drive with lights on during the day. Denmark is one of them. Failure to comply with the rules can result in a fine equivalent to about 134 euros. In addition, different fines are imposed in Denmark depending on the traffic offence. While speeding with a level of 135 euros or more is in line with the EU average, driving under the influence of alcohol can cost up to a net monthly income. Anyone who parks their vehicle in a no-parking zone and receives a ticket should expect a fine of around 70 euros. A forgotten parking disc is even more expensive. 100 euros are due for this.

No goodwill for speeders in Switzerland

The "Via Sicura" has been in force in Switzerland since 2012. The road safety measure provides for particularly high penalties for speeders. For example, drivers who drive at 200 km/h on the motorway (120 km/h generally applies here) are punished with a one-year prison sentence and two years of driving licence suspension. Although this is only an administrative offence in Germany, the penalty can still be enforced under certain circumstances (judgment of the Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart of 25.04.2018). When it comes to parking violations, our neighbors are a little more accommodating. From about 40 euros are due here - for example, for parking without a parking ticket in paid parking lots.

Don't ignore notices from abroad

Anyone who disregards traffic rules in other EU countries and receives a fine cannot be lulled into a sense of security when crossing the border – ignoring the notices is definitely not a good idea. This is because the penalties can be enforced during traffic checks if you regularly travel abroad. Fines can also be enforced at passport controls at airports. According to an EU-wide enforcement agreement, fines can also be enforced in Germany.

The prerequisite for this is that the fine notice contains a value of 70 euros or more. Administrative costs are added to the actual fine. The Austrian fines take effect even faster. Our neighbours can claim the fine in Germany from an amount of 25 euros. However, points and driving bans can only be implemented in the respective country. Fines from abroad are therefore pure fines.

Since 2003, there has been a uniform database in the EU in which traffic violations that have a particular impact on road safety are recorded. These include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and red light violations. If you have driven too fast or under the influence of alcohol or have disregarded a red light, the foreign authorities can find you more quickly with the help of the database. In most other cases, however, it can still take several months for the fine notice to reach you. However, since fines only expire after a certain period of time – in Italy, for example, only after five years, in Spain after four – it can quickly backfire if you do not pay the fine from abroad.

Paying fines quickly can be worthwhile

Late payment of fines is associated with noticeable surcharges. Paying the fine quickly, on the other hand, is advantageous in many cases. So it can be worthwhile if you pay your ticket for illegal parking directly on site. But the quick payment of fine notices that reach you at home is also worthwhile. Because in some countries there is a discount of up to 50 percent if you pay the amount within a specified period. Italy, France and Spain, for example, are particularly generous.

The fine does not comply with the regulations of the state? Or does it include high additional fees for lawyers and debt collection companies? If you doubt the correctness of the decision, you should act as quickly as possible and, if necessary, seek legal assistance. And in any case, you should carefully revoke fines from Austria, Italy and other EU countries.

Because the distinction between owner and driver liability in some countries can ultimately lead to the fact that you do not have to pay the notice. If you are prosecuted as the owner of the vehicle and can prove that you did not drive yourself, enforcement will not be carried out. The only exception: The traffic offence is also tied to owner liability in Germany.