Rip-off or mistake by the authorities? What's behind the mega fine
20 km/h too fast - it happens to many drivers. And yes, there is a fine for that. But what a woman from Cologne found in her letterbox in spring 2025 was off the scale: a fine of 7,500 euros, plus a 25 euro processing fee and 3.50 euros in expenses. In total: 7,528.50 euros. For exceeding the speed limit on the A555 between Wesseling and Rodenkirchen - the speed limit there is 100 km/h and she was traveling at 120 km/h according to the measurement.
According to the ADAC, such an offense normally costs 60 euros - in the worst case, if the violation is considered intentional, perhaps 120 euros. But 7,500 euros? That's more like a speeding ticket for driving 80 km/h too fast in town - with drugs in your blood.
The city of Cologne remains silent - and the victim must act
When asked, the City of Cologne is cautious. No information could be provided for data protection reasons. However, there is an ongoing exchange with the recipient of the notification.
What is known so far is that it looks like a mistake by the fining authority. And yet - as strange as it sounds - this mistake could be expensive if you don't react quickly.
This is because if an objection is not lodged against a fine notice within two weeks of service, the notice becomes legally binding - no matter how wrong it is.
The saving grace is that simple - but you have to be quick
A single sentence is enough to protect yourself from paying the absurd sum. According to the ADAC, the following is sufficient: "I am lodging an appeal against the fine notice with file number XY."
The objection must be made in writing - by post, fax or sometimes even online - within two weeks of receiving the notice. If you miss the deadline, you have to pay - even if the amounts are obviously wrong, because then the decision is legally binding.
Only if there is a so-called "serious and obvious error" within the meaning of Section 44 (1) of the Administrative Procedure Act can the decision possibly be declared null and void. But this is also checked first - precisely: by the authority itself.
Sounds like satire, but it's reality
This is bullshit from the authorities in its purest form. Anyone who drives 20 km/h too fast certainly doesn't deserve a medal. But a fine that is higher than many a month's wages? That has nothing to do with road safety - it's simply disproportionate.
Much worse: the state messes up - and citizens have to make sure they don't have to pay for it. Instead of apologies and clarification, there is silence. Data protection becomes a protective claim here.
Anyone who receives such letters should not hesitate for a day. File an objection - and seek legal advice if necessary. Because what looks like a clerical error today could empty your account tomorrow. And that must not happen in a constitutional state.
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