International Fines Overview - A Comprehensive Breakdown of Monetary Penalties Abroad
Let's Check Out Europe's Road Rules and Penalties
Thinking about hitting the road across Europe? Better buckle up and keep that speedometer in check! Here's a loose guide to the traffic laws and penalties in some popular driving destinations for Germans, minus the legal lingo.
Spain: Sun, Tapas, and Heat on the WalletA popular beach destination, Spain also sports some pretty "muy caliente" traffic fines. Speeding here starts off around the same as in Germany (100 Euros for going 20 kilometers per hour over the limit), but things get pricey once you hit 50 kilometers over—minimum fine of 600 Euros. Other infractions like using a phone or not wearing a seatbelt will also cost you a pretty penny (starting at 200 Euros each).
Italy: Where Pasta Isn't the Only Thing Going FastThat delightful Italian landscape carries a hefty price tag for speedsters. Caught gunning it by 20 kilometers per hour? Be prepared to fork over at least 175 Euros, and this doubles at night (from 10 pm to 7 am). Ignoring a red light or disobeying a 50-kilometer-per-hour speed limit will land you a fine starting at 170 Euros. And, lest we forget, the Italians don't take alcohol lightly: exceed the 0.5% blood alcohol limit, and you'll pay at least 545 Euros. Using a phone while driving also costs a pretty penny (165 Euros).
Denmark: The (Not So) Friendly Bikers' HavenDenmark's calm demeanor fades away when it comes to traffic violations. Especially for those with more than 0.5% blood alcohol, the Danes don't mess around—fines can reach a net monthly salary. Even smaller infractions like passing a car improperly or speeding 50 kilometers over the limit will cost you at least 500 Euros.
Sweden: Pricey Speed Cameras and Stricter RulesIf you're caught by a "Hastighetskamera" (Swedish for speed camera) going 20 kilometers per hour over the limit, expect fines to start at 230 Euros. Driving under the influence of alcohol, parking issues, or using a mobile phone while driving can also be costly.
Norway: The Priciest Scenic DriveIf Sweden seems expensive, just wait until you hit Norway. Expect to pay around 110 Euros for going 5 kilometers over the speed limit, with fines jumping significantly as you exceed that limit. Using lights is mandatory, driving drunk, or not wearing a seatbelt will also cost you.
Turkey: Affordable (Relatively Speaking) ViolationsCompared to other countries, traffic fines in Turkey are on the milder side, with speeding fines under 100 Euros for going under 50 kilometers per hour. Just remember to follow the rules of the road, like the 50-kilometer-per-hour limit in urban areas.
Greece: Strict Enforcement on Seatbelts and Red LightsGreek authorities are picky about seatbelt usage and traffic light violations. Running a red light might set you back 700 Euros, while not wearing a seatbelt can cost over ten times more than in Germany (350 Euros). Parking violations usually cost 80 Euros, but immediate payment will save you 50%.
France: Negative Points and Steep FinesFrench drivers must be aware of the demerit system, which can lead to the loss of your license. For instance, failing to stop at a stop sign results in 4 points being deducted. Reaching zero points means losing your license. Expect a 135-Euro fine for most offenses, such as speeding by 20 kilometers per hour.
Our TakeawayEuropean traffic fines vary wildly from country to country. In some cases, they can be much higher than in Germany, while others might seem relatively affordable. Keep these rough guidelines in mind, but always remember that local regulations and circumstances can greatly impact your wallet if you break the road rules. Buckle up, stay alert, and enjoy the ride!
- It seems that in Spain, not only can you expect sun, tapas, and heat, but also wallet-draining traffic fines, as speeding fines start from 100 Euros and can go up to a minimum of 600 Euros for excessive speeds.
- In Italy, where pasta isn't the only thing moving fast, speeding by 20 kilometers per hour will cost at least 175 Euros, while disregarding a red light or speeding above a 50-kilometer-per-hour limit will resulting in fines starting at 170 Euros.
- Driving in Denmark comes with a risk for the wallet, especially for those with more than 0.5% blood alcohol, as fines can reach an amount equivalent to a monthly salary.
- Sweden and Norway are among the priciest destinations for scenic drives, with Norway imposing fines of around 110 Euros for going just 5 kilometers over the speed limit, while in Norway, these fines increase significantly with excessive speeds.
