Germany extends traffic fine deadline and bans points trading effective July 1

Effective 1 July, Germany’s Fifth Act to amend the Road Traffic Act will double the time authorities have to issue a fine for traffic offences from three to six months. The change aims to relieve overloaded traffic offices that often could not complete cases within the former short window.

At the same time, the amendment closes a loophole that allowed drivers to transfer penalty points to third parties. From the start date, any attempt to trade or sell points will be punishable by a fine of up to €30,000, and the points must be retained by the offending driver. The procedural rules for issuing and contesting fines remain unchanged, including the possibility to interrupt the deadline by sending a notice and the two‑week window for appeals.