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Many European countries have hard fines for traffic offences

March 29, 2016

German automobile club ADAC has warned drivers of heavy fines in other European countries.

https://p.dw.com/p/1ILJZ
Strafzettel Bußgeldbescheid
Image: Fotolia/Kautz15

In many European countries fines for excessive speed, parking violations and drunk driving are far higher than in Germany. According to the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), the highest of all are in Norway, followed by Sweden and Italy. Driving 20 kilometers per hour over the limit will cost you at least 420 euros ($470) in Norway, 270 euros ($301) in Sweden and 170 euros ($190) in Italy.

The fines are particularly heavy when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol. In Norway a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.2 will set you back 600 euros ($670) or more. In Germany fines begin at a level of 0.5, which will cost the driver 500 euros ($558). Jail sentences begin at a BAC of 1.0 (Sweden) and 1.2 (Spain).

Driving while on the phone without a hands-free set can also get rather pricey: 230 euros ($257) in the Netherlands, 200 euros ($223) in Denmark and 160 euros ($178) in Italy. In Germany the same offence costs just 60 euros ($67).

The Netherlands and Norway also top the list of fines for parking violations with 90 euros ($100). In Germany you can expect to pay no more than 65 euros ($73) - and even then only if your vehicle is blocking the emergency services.

ey/ak/fl (dpa, AFP)