Germany tightens penalties for red‑light violations by cyclists and motorists

In Germany, cyclists who run a red traffic signal face fines of €60 to €180 and a point on their driving record, even when they are as young as 14. The law requires cyclists to obey a dedicated bicycle signal where present; otherwise the standard vehicle signal applies. Courts have upheld penalties unless a technical fault in the signal can be proven, as in a recent Hamburg case where a fine was waived.

Separately, an 18‑year‑old driver in Bavaria repeatedly entered a tunnel blocked by four red lights to record a video for his phone. Police stopped the driver and his 17‑year‑old passenger after the tunnel, used by the B2 highway, had been fully closed. Authorities have not yet announced the exact sanctions the youths will face.