Heed the Fine Print: Out-of-Country Speeding Tickets: When They Can Come Back to Haunt You
Enforcing overseas penalties: Under what circumstances
Jetting off for a vacation? Don't forget to check your mailbox when you return! Failure to pay a foreign speeding ticket could spell big trouble, as the ADAC warns.
If you've been issued a fine of €70 or more in another EU country, brace yourself - it can be enforced in Germany. For Austrian fines, the limit is even €25. Swiss fines, if they exceed €80 Swiss francs (approximately €85), can also be enforced in Germany. The Federal Office of Justice is the only entity responsible for enforcing these penalties, not private collection agencies.
But why wait for the Feds to catch up? Paying promptly could save you some cash. In Spain, a 50% discount is offered if the fine is paid within 20 days. Italy offers a 30% discount if the amount is paid within five days of receiving the notice. Many other countries provide similar financial incentives for quick payments.
Delayed payment could result in a surprising setback on your next trip to the same country. In Italy, fines become statute-barred after just five years, while in Spain, they expire after four years. On a return visit, you could face enforcement at a traffic stop or even at passport control. Late payers beware!
More to Know
A traffic offense committed abroad won't result in points or a driving ban in Germany. However, the EU is working towards enforcing driving bans throughout Europe[2], so keep an eye on new developments. Meanwhile, be sure to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws to avoid penalties altogether.
[1] European Union Strengthens Police Treaty with Switzerland (dpa, 2021)[2] EU Driving Bans to Apply Across Europe by 2025 (Reuters, 2023)
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- Failing to abide by community policies such as employing prompt payment for out-of-country traffic fines can lead to inconvenient travel disruptions, even years later.
- In certain cases, an excessive lifestyle choice like speeding abroad could impact your future travels when your employment policy (financial situation) doesn't allow for timely payments, especially since European countries often offer discounts for quicker payments.
