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Fines for traffic violations General information

If you violate traffic laws, you may be fined.

Detailed description

A traffic fine is a fine that you have to pay if you have broken the traffic rules. This can happen, for example, if you drive too fast, park illegally or run a red light. The responsible authority will record the violation and then send you a written notice stating how much money you have to pay.



A fine is a smaller fine imposed on you when you only slightly violate a traffic rule. It is often used for minor violations.



Unlike a fine, which is imposed for more serious violations, a warning fine is usually lower. If you pay the warning fine within a certain time period, the case is often closed. If you do not pay, the case may turn into a penalty procedure and a higher fine may be imposed.



The rules for warnings and fines are set out in the catalogue of offenses, which applies throughout Germany.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You have violated one or more traffic regulations and have therefore committed an administrative offence.

Documents required

No

Please note

The traffic fine office cannot be reached in person. You can express your opinion via an online hearing or in writing by email, fax or post.

Payment information can be found on the fine notices. There is also a Girocode (QR code) there (except on EU information letters). All payment data can be accessed via this.

The Hamburg fine office will only accept driving licenses if the driving ban was also imposed by a Hamburg authority. You can then hand in the driving license by post or by putting it in the mailbox at your house, stating the file number. The driving ban begins when it is received by the fine office. The driving licenses will be sent back to you by post in good time before the deadline expires.

You can also get further information on the homepage of the Fines Office.

Deadlines

The payment deadline for the warning is one week after receipt. Other payment deadlines vary in individual cases.




You can appeal within 2 weeks of receiving the fine notice.

Procedure

The course of the proceedings depends on the severity of the administrative offence committed or of which you are accused.

  • A traffic violation is determined by the police or another responsible authority.
  • For minor violations (up to 55 euros), a fine will be imposed. This is issued by means of a warning that is sent to you or handed over to you on site. The warning contains a request to pay the fine within a certain period of time.
  • If you pay the fine within the set deadline, the case will usually be closed.
  • If you do not pay the fine on time, a fine notice will be issued.
  • In the case of serious violations or violations for which no warning fine is provided (from 60 euros), a fine procedure will be initiated.
  • A penalty notice will be issued and sent to you. This will contain the details of the violation and the amount of the penalty.
  • The fine notice will set a deadline by which you must pay the fine.
  • If you pay the fine, the case will be closed.
  • If you file an appeal, the case may continue to be heard in court.

Processing time

The processing time varies from case to case.

Fees

Is determined according to the nationwide standardized catalogue of fines.

Legal remedies

appeal

Legal basis

§ 24 Paragraph 1 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvg/__24.html


§ 49 Road Traffic Regulations (StVO)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvo_2013/__49.html

Links on hamburg.de

Address and contact information

M 6

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Last updated: 07.08.2026