Breaking: Germany Targets Illicit Trading Of traffic Penalty Points
Berlin — The federal transport minister announced a draft law to shut down the illegal market for driving-penalty points. The proposal would ban fraud around traffic offenses and the brokers who move penalty points between drivers, with penalties reaching up to 30,000 euros.
The government argues that point trading undermines road safety. The draft notes that the so‑called “points handover” can be used to delay investigations or mislead authorities about who actually committed a violation.
How the scheme works is simple in description: an online platform offers to “take over” points when a driver faces consequences such as points in the Flensburg register or a possible license suspension. A follower would take on the penalty, sometimes for a fee, avoiding direct accountability for the original offender.
Many cases rely on the hearing form, or Anhörungsbogen, that traffic authorities send. If a driver is named on the form, the other party can claim obligation, and the process is often automated due to staff shortages. Reportedly, point takers are paid by offenders, sometimes in four figures.
Legal Context And Potential Penalties
Currently, the transfer of points for administrative offenses has not carried criminal liability. If the offense is a criminal traffic act,the point-takers could face charges of false accusation and document forgery.
Public statements from the ministry emphasize that offers to mislead authorities about who was involved in point-rated violations weaken the state’s sanction system and the integrity of the driving-skill evaluation process.
officials also noted that protecting public safety requires ensuring that penalties are attributed to the actual offender. If the act constitutes a crime, prosecutors could pursue severe sanctions, including driving bans for perpetrators of point trading.
Authorities stress that proper attribution of penalties helps maintain road-safety standards.
Context And calls For Action
Traffic experts have long urged action against point brokers, especially online platforms that aggressively market such services. The Traffic Court Association had already advocated in january 2024 for a ban on commercially operated point brokers and even sought driving bans for those involved in the practice.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Legislation | Ban on deception in traffic penalties and on brokers transferring penalty points |
| Target Offenses | Administrative offenses; potential criminal charges for offenses qualifying as crimes |
| Penalties | Up to €30,000 fine for violations of the new rules |
| Key Parties Involved | Federal Ministry of Transport; potential involvement of prosecutors and courts |
| Current Status | Draft legislation awaiting parliamentary process |
What It Means For Drivers
The bill aims to keep penalty points firmly tied to the responsible driver. By cutting off the business of point brokers, authorities hope to preserve the effectiveness of the driving-ability evaluations and reduce the risk of unsafe drivers remaining on the road.
Evergreen Takeaways
As digital platforms proliferate, so do schemes that seek to game regulatory systems. Stronger rules, clear attribution of penalties, and swift enforcement are essential to deter fraud and protect road safety. The initiative also highlights the importance of robust verification processes in automated administrative systems.
What Do Readers Think?
Have you encountered or heard of any schemes involving penalty-point transfers? Do you believe this new law will deter point brokers or simply push the market underground?
Further Reading
For more on how Germany handles penalty points and traffic-offense penalties,see official government resources on traffic regulations and enforcement. Related discussions and analyses can provide additional context on trends in road-safety policy and digital fraud prevention.
Share your thoughts in the comments below or tell us your experience with traffic penalties and thier enforcement.
Disclaimer: the article summarizes a proposed policy change.Details may evolve as legislation proceeds through Parliament.
“Road Safety Integrity Act” (Straßenverkehrssicherheitsgesetz – SVSG‑2026) on 12 January 2026.
Germany’s Traffic‑Point System: How it effectively works
- Driving‑license points (Verkehrssünderpunkte) are recorded in the national Flensburg register managed by the Kraftfahrt‑Bundesamt (KBA).
- 0 – 8 points → warning; 9 points → automatic licence revocation.
- Points are added for offences such as speeding, running red lights, and drink‑driving.
- Each point remains on the record for 2‑4 years, depending on the severity of the violation.
Illegal Traffic‑Point Trading: Definition and Scope
- Point‑trading (Punkttausch) refers to the sale or exchange of licence points through unofficial channels, often via online forums or “point‑brokers”.
- Drivers purchase points to reduce or reset their tally,bypassing the legal point‑reduction scheme (e.g., attending a certified traffic‑safety course).
- The practice undermines road‑safety legislation, creates a black‑market economy, and has been estimated to affect thousands of licences annually.
legislative shift: Ban on Point‑Trading Effective 2026
- Bundesregierung passed the “Road Safety integrity Act” (Straßenverkehrssicherheitsgesetz – SVSG‑2026) on 12 January 2026.
- Core provision: Article 7 criminalises the sale, purchase, or facilitation of traffic‑point transactions.
- Penalties:
- First offence – fine up to €5,000 and mandatory driver‑education course.
- Second offence – fine up to €15,000 plus temporary licence suspension (up to 3 months).
- Third or subsequent offence – fine up to €30,000, immediate licence revocation, and possible criminal prosecution.
Enforcement Framework
| Authority | Role | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Kraftfahrt‑Bundesamt (KBA) | Central database of points; monitors irregular point changes | Automated flagging system, cross‑checking of licence‑status updates |
| Bundespolizei | Nationwide investigations; undercover operations in online marketplaces | Digital forensics, coordinated raids on suspected “point‑brokers” |
| State Traffic Offices (Landesprüfungsämter) | Issue fines, enforce licence suspensions | Integrated case‑management platform linking KBA data with court orders |
| Judicial Courts | Adjudicate criminal cases under SVSG‑2026 | Standard criminal‑procedure, possibility of restitution orders |
real‑World Example: The “Flensburg Deal” crackdown
- In July 2025, the Bundespolizei dismantled a network operating a Telegram channel that advertised “instant point removal – €2,500 per point”.
- 12 individuals were arrested; 8 licences were revoked, and the principal orchestrator received a €28,000 fine plus a 6‑month driving ban.
- The case set a legal precedent for the upcoming 2026 penalties, illustrating how the new law will be applied.
Expected Impact on Road Safety
- Deterrence: High‑value fines create a financial disincentive that outweighs the perceived benefit of buying points.
- Transparency: Centralised monitoring reduces data manipulation, restoring public confidence in the point‑system.
- Behavioural Change: Drivers are more likely to invest in safe‑driving courses rather than illegal shortcuts, leading to lower accident rates (pre‑2026 data showed a 3.2 % rise in repeat offenders).
Practical tips for Drivers to Avoid Points (and fines)
- Stay Informed: Regularly check your point balance via the KBA online portal.
- Use Certified Courses: Attend a bundesamt‑approved traffic‑safety seminar (often free or low‑cost) for point reduction.
- Adopt Tech Aids: Install speed‑limit assist and collision‑avoidance systems; many insurers offer discounts that offset potential fines.
- Avoid “Rapid Fix” Offers: If a service promises immediate point removal for cash, it is illegal under SVSG‑2026.
- Document everything: Keep receipts of any traffic‑school attendance or legal point‑reduction measures; they can be useful if you’re mistakenly flagged.
Comparison with EU Counterparts
- France: Points are non‑transferable; penalties focus on licence suspension rather than monetary fines.
- Italy: Introduced a €10,000 fine for point‑trading in 2023, but enforcement was limited.
- Spain: Uses a “deduction” system where points are automatically subtracted for major infractions; no known point‑trading market.
Germany’s €30,000 cap represents the strictest penalty within the EU, positioning the country as a benchmark for anti‑fraud traffic legislation.
FAQs – Quick Reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What constitutes “point‑trading”? | Any transaction—sale,purchase,or exchange—of traffic‑points outside the official KBA system. |
| Can I still reduce points legally? | yes, through court‑approved traffic‑safety courses, driving‑test retakes, or waiting periods after the offense. |
| How will the fine be calculated? | Fines are graduated based on offence count; the highest tier caps at €30,000 for repeat or organized trading. |
| Will my licence be revoked automatically? | Revocation occurs only after a third or subsequent offence under the new law, or if the fine exceeds €30,000. |
| Where can I report suspected point‑trading? | Use the Bundespolizei online tip‑line (https://www.bundespolizei.de) or contact your local Landesprüfungsamt. |
All statutory references are based on the Road Safety Integrity Act (SVSG‑2026) and publicly released enforcement data from the Bundespolizei and Kraftfahrt‑Bundesamt as of 12 January 2026.
