New 2020 catalog of fines: these are the tough penalties

The much-discussed new catalog of road traffic fines has been in effect since April 28, 2020: with harsh penalties such as high fines and driving bans. Drivers are particularly annoyed because the driver's license has to be handed in more quickly. Anyone driving 21 km/h too fast in urban areas risks being banned from driving for a month.

The Federal Ministry of Transport, which is responsible for the catalog of fines, now says that the severe penalties are “not proportionate”. Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer wants to cancel the new, impending driving ban for speeding. But that can take time: the catalog of fines is due to be revised by autumn 2020. Until then, there will continue to be severe consequences for traffic law violations.

According to the Federal Ministry of Transport, the focus of the new catalog of fines should be on better protection of cyclists - with parking bans on cycle paths and new bans on overtaking. But there are also innovations in the formation of emergency lanes and in the event of speed violations. These are the most important changes in the 2020 catalog of fines:

Stricter penalties for speeding violations

Anyone who has too much km/h on their speedometer has to pay more: if they exceed the speed limit by up to 20 km/h, drivers have to pay double the previous fine. Within built-up areas this is up to 70 euros, outside of urban areas up to 60 euros. The unpopular points in Flensburg threaten from a speed limit of 16 km/h.

The change that is currently being discussed most critically: If you exceed the speed limit by 21 km/h or more in urban areas, there is a risk of a driving ban. Anyone who accidentally drives a little more than 30 km/h in a 50 zone because they overlooked the sign will lose their driving license for a month. Outside built-up areas - such as on motorways or country roads - this limit is 26 km/h.

The highest penalty for a speeding violation is a fine of 680 euros, two points in Flensburg and a three-month driving ban if you are traveling more than 70 km/h too fast within a town.

Expensive ticket for incorrect parking

In order to increase safety for cyclists on the streets, parking on protective lanes and in the second row has become more expensive: Since April 28, 2020, stopping and parking violations can be punished with up to 100 euros and points in Flensburg.

In addition, new traffic signs were introduced that designate parking spaces exclusively for special road users. There is a new sign that identifies parking areas for cargo bikes. In addition, parking spaces can now be set up exclusively for electric vehicles or car sharing vehicles. Anyone who parks here illegally will face a fine of 55 euros. If other road users are hindered or endangered by the incorrectly parked vehicle, a fine of up to 100 euros and one point in Flensburg is possible.

Traffic law: Rescue alley blocked

Emergency lanes can save lives – if emergency vehicles can drive through them quickly enough. Anyone who obstructs this will have to pay a lot: a fine of 200 euros, two points in Flensburg and a month's driving ban are possible. Anyone who drives through the emergency lane without permission must expect at least 240 euros, two points and a one-month driving ban. By the way, this also applies to motorcyclists!

Fines catalog 2020: Overtaking only with a margin

To protect cyclists, the new catalog of fines provides for a specific side distance when overtaking two-wheelers. A side distance of at least 1,5 meters must be maintained when overtaking pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter drivers in urban areas and two meters outside of urban areas. A new traffic sign even completely prohibits overtaking two-wheelers in a particularly narrow place.

Have you already received a fine due to the new catalog of fines and are not sure whether it is justified? Then contact us! The traffic law experts at the consumer law firm VON RUEDEN will be happy to help you. Take our free online check to find out whether an objection is worth it in your case. You can also find further information and tips about the new catalog of fines on RECHT EINFACH – VON RUEDEN, our YouTube channel. PS: Do you know the strangest traffic fines in this country and abroad? We have summarized them for: