Overtaking Fines in Germany 2025. Traffic fines in Germany. Overtaking is one of the most dangerous actions on the road, and in Germany, doing it wrong can be costly. The current fines include heavy penalties, from high fees to losing your driver’s license for at least a month. German traffic rules are clear about when and how you can overtake, and breaking these rules can lead to serious consequences. It’s important to know the details to avoid surprises on German roads.
Overtaking Fines in Germany: Penalty schedule
Overtaking is not allowed in certain situations, such as when there is a solid line on the road or a sign indicating a ban. Drivers should also avoid overtaking when the traffic situation is unclear or if there is a risk of an accident. Breaking these rules can result in severe penalties. According to Bussgeldkatalog.org, fines for illegal overtaking can go up to 300 euros. Drivers may also receive penalty points and a temporary driving ban (Fahrverbot). The table below shows the penalties for 2025.
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| Description of the offense | Fine (€) | Points | Driving ban | Fine with handling fee (€) |
| Obstructing the overtaken vehicle when returning to the overtaking lane | 20 | – | – | 48.50 |
| Incorrect lateral clearance when overtaking | 30 | – | – | 58.50 |
| Increase speed when being overtaken | 30 | – | – | 58.50 |
| Overtaking without a significant difference in speed to the vehicle being overtaken | 80 | 1 | – | 108.50 |
| Overtaking without a significant difference in speed, resulting in property damage | 120 | 1 | – | 148.50 |
| Overtaking with a risk to oncoming traffic | 80 | 1 | – | 108.50 |
| Overtaking on the right in a built-up area | 30 | – | – | 58.50 |
| Overtaking on the right in a built-up area, resulting in property damage | 35 | – | – | 63.50 |
| Overtaking on the right outside built-up areas | 100 | 1 | – | 128.50 |
| Overtaking on the right outside a built-up area, with a risk to others | 120 | 1 | – | 148.50 |
| Overtaking on the right outside a built-up area, resulting in property damage | 145 | 1 | – | 173.50 |
| Overtaking while ignoring no-overtaking signs (signs 276, 277) | 70 | 1 | – | 98.50 |
| Overtaking at a pedestrian crossing | 80 | 1 | – | 108.50 |
| Overtaking in an unclear traffic situation | 100 | 1 | – | 128.50 |
| Overtaking in an unclear traffic situation and violating the overtaking ban | 150 | 1 | – | 178.50 |
| Overtaking in an unclear traffic situation and violating the overtaking ban with the risk of | 250 | 2 | 1 month | 278.50 |
| Overtaking in an unclear traffic situation and violating the overtaking ban resulting in property damage | 300 | 2 | 1 month | 328.50 |
Please note that for serious violations, such as overtaking in unclear situations while ignoring the overtaking ban and creating a hazard, additional penalties may apply. These can include higher fines, confiscation of the driver’s license, or even imprisonment for up to 5 years under § 315c of the German Criminal Code (StGB).
Driving license suspension in Germany: What is Fahrverbot?
Fahrverbot refers to a temporary driving ban that can be imposed for various traffic violations, including illegal overtaking. Depending on the offence, the ban lasts from one to three months. During this time, the driver must surrender their driving license to the authorities. After the ban ends, the license is returned, and the driver can resume driving.
Being careful and following the rules for overtaking is not just about avoiding penalties, but, most importantly, ensuring the safety of all road users.