Traffic fines in Germany. Speed cameras in Germany. When drivers spot a speed camera by the roadside, their instinct is often to hit the brakes abruptly. Yet, this reaction may prove futile since radars can activate well in advance. Moreover, sudden braking, especially at high speeds, poses risks and could potentially result in accidents.
Braking when you see a speed camera
Certain speed camera models can detect vehicle speeds approximately 1,000 meters before reaching the device’s actual location. The radar’s range varies from zero to 1,000 meters, contingent upon the measurement technology employed. While some speed cameras activate solely as vehicles approach, others can operate within a range of up to one kilometer.
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Adhering to the speed limits designated for a particular road segment is advisable. Doing so not only helps avoid fines but also mitigates road traffic hazards. The German fine catalog categorizes eight distinct speed camera models, each with varying ranges:
- Multanova MU VR 6FAFB – up to 15 meters
- Multanova MU VR 6F – from three to 40 meters
- Eso ES 1.0 – up to 18 meters
- Eso µP 80 – up to 25 meters
- LaserPatrol/TraffiPatrol – from 30 to 500 meters
- Riegl LR90-235/P – 30 to 500 meters
- Riegl FG21-P – from 30 to 1000 meters
- Traffipax speedoPhot – up to four lanes
Fines for exceeding the speed limit in Germany
Speeding violations begin to incur penalties starting from a mere 4 km/h over the limit. Although the speed camera technically activates at a one km/h speed difference, a tolerance of three km/h applies for speeds below 100 km/h. Therefore, the device triggers only when the speed exceeds the limit by at least 4 km/h.
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Offenders caught by the radar face hefty fines following recent increases. Outside urban areas, speeding up to 10 km/h results in a fine of EUR 48.50. Surpassing the limit by 21-25 km/h escalates the penalty to EUR 128.50, without imposing a driving ban. However, speeding by 26-40 km/h may lead to fines ranging from €178.50 to €228.50, along with a one-month driving suspension for repeat offenders. Exceeding the limit by more than 41 km/h results in an automatic driving ban, with no exceptions. In urban areas, fines are even higher.