Attention, vacationer! High fines in Europe - it can be that expensive!

Attention, vacationer! High fines in Europe - it can be that expensive!

Schweiz - Vacation abroad can quickly become expensive if the traffic rules are not observed. In many European countries, the fines are significantly higher than in Germany. This is particularly important for travelers who are traveling during their stays in countries such as Norway, the Netherlands or Switzerland. The ADAC lawyers point out that fines can also be enforced in Germany, which entails additional financial risks.

This is how the fines for speeding speeds in some countries are quite high. For example, a fine of up to 610 euros is due in Norway if you drive 20 km/h too quickly. In the Netherlands and Switzerland, the punishments amount to 225 euros and 190 euros for the same violation. In Germany, on the other hand, the fine for such a speed crossing begins at 60 euros.

penalties for alcoholized driving

The regulations for driving under the influence of alcohol vary considerably. In Denmark, Finland and Sweden, the punishments are high and depend on the driver's income. Switzerland, on the other hand, imposes fines from 635 euros from 0.5 per thousand, while Norway already demands 560 euros at only 0.2 per thousand. In Poland and Italy, too, drivers have to expect punishments from 600 euros or 545 euros, while it begins in Germany at 500 euros.

false parking is also expensive in the Netherlands, where the penalties start from 120 euros. In addition, punishments of up to 200 euros are possible in Estonia.

technological fines and discounts

The use of the smartphone at the wheel is punished in Norway with 875 euros and in the Netherlands with 430 euros, while Germany has an entry price of 100 euros here. An interesting tip from the ADAC lawyers: In some countries there are discounts for the immediate payment of fines. In this way, drivers in Spain can save 50 percent if they pay within 20 days, and in Italy it is 30 percent when paying within five days.

fines from 70 euros (in Austria from 25 euros) can be enforced in Germany. This regulation has also been valid for punishments from Switzerland since 2024. The Federal Office of Justice is responsible for enforcement in Germany. Points or driving bans are currently limited to the respective country, whereby the EU is working on a regulation for Europe -wide driving bans

a lack of uniformity in fines catalogs

currently there is no uniform catalog of fines for Europe or the EU. However, the EU has an impact on the national fine catalogs through common guidelines. These guidelines enable Member States to agree on common standards, which are then implemented in national law. For example, the Viennese Convention on Traffic signs commits the member states to uniform regulations.

The EU guidelines create minimum standards for traffic rules such as belt obligation and child seats. However, there are differences in the fines for different violations, for example in red light injuries. Countries such as Finland and Denmark even adapt fines to the income of traffic offices.

It remains important that drivers observe the specific traffic rules of the respective country in which they drive. Otherwise, high fines, which may also be executed in the home country, can be an unpleasant surprise. This emphasizes how important it is to find out about the applicable traffic regulations in the travel countries before starting travel.

For further details and information about traffic administrative offenses in Europe, interested parties can be the platforms of Der Westen and Visit fines catalog