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Bußgeldstelle (fines office)

Bußgeldbescheid (fine notice) received: pay or file an Einspruch?

What this letter means

The Bußgeldbescheid (fine notice) is the authority's decision on the accusation. It names the offence, the evidence, the fine (Geldbuße) and, if applicable, a driving ban (Fahrverbot). Costs are added: a fee of 5 percent of the fine, at least 25 euros, and expenses, for example 3.50 euros for formal delivery.

If you do not file an Einspruch (objection), the notice becomes final (rechtskräftig) after two weeks. You then have to pay, and a driving ban and entries in the Fahreignungsregister (driver fitness register, often called "points in Flensburg") take effect.

If a driving ban has been ordered and you had no driving ban in the two years before the offence, you can usually choose yourself when it starts, within four months after the notice becomes final. What applies in your case is stated in the notice.

What to do now

  1. 1Find the delivery date on the yellow envelope and add two weeks; the deadline calculator can help.
  2. 2Check your personal details, the place and time of the offence, the number plate and the accusation.
  3. 3Decide whether you pay or file an Einspruch; if you are unsure, you can first file an Einspruch and ask to see the file (Akteneinsicht).
  4. 4Send the Einspruch in writing, in German, to the authority that issued the notice, so that it arrives before the deadline ends; the templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.
  5. 5If you want to pay, make a bank transfer with the Aktenzeichen (file reference number) as the payment reference.

How you can reply

File an Einspruch (objection)

You do not have to give reasons. You can also limit the Einspruch to certain points, for example the driving ban or the amount of the fine. The authority then reviews the case again and, if it sticks to its decision, passes it via the public prosecutor (Staatsanwaltschaft) to the Amtsgericht (local court).

Template: Einspruch gegen einen Bussgeldbescheid

Ask to see the file (Akteneinsicht)

With the measurement record, the photo and the calibration certificate, you can better judge whether an Einspruch has a chance of success.

Template: Akteneinsicht bei einer Behoerde beantragen

Pay or apply for payment in instalments (Ratenzahlung)

If the notice is correct, pay within the deadline. If you cannot pay the whole amount at once, apply for easier payment terms (Zahlungserleichterungen), for example instalments.

Common questions

Can the fine become higher after an Einspruch?

Yes. If there is a hearing at the Amtsgericht (local court), the court is not bound by the fine notice and can also set a higher fine. If you lose, court costs are added. You can withdraw the Einspruch. If in doubt, get advice from a lawyer.

I missed the two weeks. What now?

If you were prevented from meeting the deadline through no fault of your own, for example because you were in hospital or away for a long time, you can apply for Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand (reinstatement after a missed deadline). You must file and justify the application within one week after the obstacle ends, and at the same time file the Einspruch you missed.

When is an Einspruch worth it?

That depends on the individual case. Typical reasons are a wrong driver, mistakes in the place or time of the offence, or doubts about the measurement.

Sources (German law and official pages)

  1. § 67 Form und Frist des Einspruchs (OWiG)
  2. § 51 Verfahren bei Zustellungen der Verwaltungsbehörde (OWiG)
  3. § 3 Zustellung durch die Post mit Zustellungsurkunde (VwZG)
  4. § 180 Ersatzzustellung durch Einlegen in den Briefkasten (ZPO)
  5. § 107 Gebühren und Auslagen (OWiG)
  6. § 69 Zwischenverfahren (OWiG)
  7. § 71 Hauptverfahren (OWiG)
  8. § 411 Verwerfung wegen Formmangels oder Fristversäumung; Termin zur Hauptverhandlung (StPO)
  9. § 52 Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand (OWiG)
  10. § 45 Anforderungen an einen Wiedereinsetzungsantrag (StPO)
  11. § 18 Zahlungserleichterungen (OWiG)
  12. § 49 Akteneinsicht des Betroffenen und des Verletzten (OWiG)
  13. § 25 Fahrverbot (StVG)

Research as of: 10 November 2026