Germany cracks down on exploitative parking claim lawsuits with new reform
The German government has introduced a reform to tackle abusive vehicle possession claim news. The new rules aim to stop property owners from exploiting brief parking incidents for financial gain.
The changes will make such lawsuits less profitable while still allowing legitimate claims to proceed.
The reform targets business models that rely on systematic threats and demands over minor parking violations. Under the new system, court fees will drop to €35 if a claim is withdrawn before being served. If the dispute is settled in the first hearing, the fee will be €70.
Legal costs will also be reduced. A special assessment basis will cap attorney fees at around €100. Additionally, the reform allows appeals in vehicle possession cases to reach the Supreme Court.
The Justice Ministry has stressed that genuine possession claims will remain possible. The overall goal is to lower court costs and discourage frivolous lawsuits without blocking fair legal action.
The revised draft law cuts legal fees and introduces stricter fee structures. These measures are designed to prevent abuse while keeping the system accessible for valid disputes. The reform is expected to take effect once finalised by lawmakers.
