Got a hearing form? What you must state – and what you need not
An authority accuses you of an administrative offence, usually in traffic, and lets you comment before it decides. It is not a decision yet.
How to recognise the letter
- It comes from the fines office or police, often with a speed camera photo.
- Heading »Anhörung« or »Anhörungsbogen«, with fields about you and about the matter.
- It is not a decision yet: there are no instructions on legal remedies.
Which deadline applies?
No statutory deadline.
No statutory deadline; the authority names one. Personal details are compulsory: false or refused details are an offence in themselves (§ 111 Abs. 1 OWiG). On the accusation the law gives you the opportunity to comment (§ 55 Abs. 1 OWiG) – an offer, not a duty.
What happens if you do nothing?
The authority decides without your view; a fine notice may follow. You must still give your personal details.
Your options
- Fill in your personal details and send them back
- Say nothing about the accusation or comment – both are allowed
- If you were not the driver: say so, without having to name anyone
- With points or a driving ban: a traffic lawyer
Who can help?
Traffic lawyer (if points or a driving ban), legal expenses insurance
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to fill in the hearing form?
The personal details, yes: false or refused details are an offence in themselves (§ 111 Abs. 1 OWiG). On the accusation the law gives you the opportunity to comment (§ 55 Abs. 1 OWiG) – it is not an obligation.
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.