These trips are considered an administrative offence – provided, according to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, “there are no signs of unsafe driving”. According to the catalogue of fines, the first offence will result in a one-month driving ban, two points on the Flensburg driving aptitude register and a 500 euro fine excluding processing fees. Anyone caught a second time will face a three-month driving ban, two points on the register and a 1,000 euro fine. The third offence will result in a three-month driving ban, two points on the register and a 1,500 euro fine.
If drivers stagger, drive in a zigzag pattern or an accident occurs, this is a danger to road traffic – and therefore a criminal offence. This means three points on the driver’s license, a fine or imprisonment of up to five years and the withdrawal of the driver’s license.
Drivers who are repeatedly caught driving with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.5 per mille must undergo a medical-psychological examination (MPU).
Ultimately, a blood alcohol test will determine the fines that apply. A breathalyzer test is considered an indication of the severity of the offense.
Source: Federal Motor Transport Authority, Federal Uniform Catalogue of Offenses, as of September 1, 2023, and Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport