Got a fine notice? Calculate the two-week objection deadline
An authority accuses you of an administrative offence – usually in traffic – and sets a fine, sometimes with penalty points or a driving ban.
How to recognise the letter
- It usually comes in a yellow envelope with the date of service on it.
- Heading »Bußgeldbescheid«, with the offence, the fine, fees and expenses.
- Sometimes penalty points (Punkte in Flensburg) or a driving ban are included.
Which deadline applies?
Objection (Einspruch): two weeks after service (§ 67 Abs. 1 S. 1 OWiG). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 43 Abs. 2 StPO (über § 46 Abs. 1 OWiG)). The calculator on this page works out the exact day – step by step.
Formal service with a certificate: the date is on the yellow envelope – keep the envelope.
What happens if you do nothing?
Two weeks after service the notice becomes final: the fine must be paid, and points and any driving ban apply.
Your options
- Pay
- Object (Einspruch) – possible without reasons
- Request access to the file
- With points or a driving ban: a traffic lawyer
Who can help?
Traffic lawyer (if points or a driving ban), legal expenses insurance
Terms in this letter
Frequently asked questions
When do the two weeks start?
From formal service (§ 67 Abs. 1 S. 1 OWiG). The date is handwritten or stamped on the yellow envelope – keep it.
Is a hearing form (Anhörungsbogen) already a fine notice?
No. The hearing form comes first and lets you comment. The two-week objection deadline only applies to the fine notice.
How much time do I have?
Two weeks after service (§ 67 Abs. 1 S. 1 OWiG). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 43 Abs. 2 StPO (über § 46 Abs. 1 OWiG)). The calculator above shows the exact day with every step.
Who can help me?
Traffic lawyer (if points or a driving ban), legal expenses insurance.
General information, not legal advice. Whether this decision is correct and what is right in your case is for an advice centre or a lawyer to say. Laws link to the official German text at gesetze-im-internet.de.