Millionaire’s €95,000 speeding fine exposes Germany’s patchwork traffic camera rules
A millionaire has been fined €95,000 for speeding, highlighting the hefty penalties for breaking Germany's speed limits. The case has reignited debate about minimum distances between traffic cameras and signs, with some states relaxing or abolishing these rules.
In 2015, Baden-Württemberg's Minister for Transport, Winfried Hermann, spearheaded the abolition of minimum distances between traffic cameras and signs. This move, along with lenient rules in North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg, has led to a patchwork of regulations across German states. Critics argue that shorter distances between cameras and signs can be a revenue-generating scheme, rather than a safety measure.
The purpose of minimum distances is to ensure road safety by preventing sudden braking at high speeds. However, even if these distances are violated, speed measurements generally remain valid, as seen in the millionaire's case. Drivers who believe they have been unfairly fined can consult a traffic lawyer, though success is not guaranteed.
The millionaire's €95,000 fine serves as a stark reminder of the severe penalties for speeding in Germany. The varying rules regarding minimum distances between traffic cameras and signs across states have sparked criticism, with some seeing them as a potential revenue source rather than a safety measure.
