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Fines abroad must be paid
Beware of traffic rules abroad
Source: picture-alliance / igor Zehl / CTK
From now on, anyone traveling abroad should be particularly careful. Because in the future, German authorities will collect the fines.
VBefore the start of the summer holidays, the Automobile Club of Germany (AvD) points out that within Europe now also for "Nodules" the borders are being dismantled. In autumn, many a German holidaymaker could have an expensive souvenir fluttering into their homes afterwards. Because from October 1, 2010, German authorities will also be able to enforce legally binding fines from other European countries. It is foreseen in the draft law on the mutual recognition of fines.
The AvD therefore recommends motorists in other countries to drive particularly carefully and to adhere to the local traffic regulations, some of which are unfamiliar there. Otherwise the holiday fund can be heavily charged afterwards. Because in some neighboring countries the fines are significantly higher than in Germany. In Italy, for example, calls without a hands-free system can be penalized with a fine of 155 to 624 euros. In Great Britain, speeders who drive significantly faster than allowed face fines of up to 5834 euros and in Denmark alcohol offenders can be fined up to a month’s salary.
What the most common traffic sins in other European countries cost
Sin 1: WRONG PARKING
Sin 2: Overtaking in the prohibition of overtaking
Sin 3: CROSSING A RED LIGHT LIGHT
Sin 5: DRIVE 50 KM / H TOO FAST
Sin 6: ALCOHOL IN THE TAX
Sin 7: MOBILE PHONE AT THE WHEEL
"However, you shouldn’t feel safe until the aforementioned deadline, October 1st, 2010", says AvD lawyer Petra Schmucker. "Traffic violations that were committed beforehand can also be punished. Because according to the draft law, it is not the ‘time of the offense’ that is decisive, but the date on which the authority issues the notice of the fine."
Incidentally, fines from other EU countries should only be enforced from 70 euros. "Otherwise the administrative effort would be disproportionate and the costs would exceed the amount imposed. The funds received then remain with the German tax authorities or, in principle, with the executing state – this is stipulated in the EU framework decision on the mutual recognition of fines", says Schmucker.
Incidentally, all documents must be translated into the recipient’s national language. It is prescribed in the European Mutual Legal Assistance Convention. If this does not happen, the person concerned should immediately request a German translation from the competent foreign authority, recommends the AvD.
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