Under Section 25 of the German Road Traffic Act, a driving licence may be suspended for a period of one month to three months as a result of gross or persistent violations of the law. But a suspension is not the same thing as a court-ordered revocation of a licence. Such orders are generally issued in cases in which a traffic-related felony has occurred or the driving licensing authority decides that an individual is no longer capable of operating a motor vehicle. When a driving licence is suspended, the affected individual initially retains his or her right to drive a motor vehicle – the driver simply may not drive certain vehicles or any vehicles at all during the period of the suspension. So far, so good.
But what does “gross” and/or “persistent” mean?
Gross traffic offences are those that frequently result in serious accidents or those that, subjectively speaking, demonstrate such a reckless, careless or callous form of behaviour that a – higher – monetary fine would be an insufficient penalty and would not have the desired learning effect. Persistent violations are ones in which the affected individual repeatedly commits similar illegal acts within a relatively short period of time – and thus demonstrates that he or she lacks the “law-abiding mentality” necessary to responsibly operate a motor vehicle on public thoroughfares.
Things can move so quickly
If authorities order a driving licence suspension, a penalty that is usually much harsher than a fine, this suspension is primarily designed to teach a “lesson” – a lesson that administrative authorities or courts (following the appeal of the order) may on occasion disregard. After all, things can happen quickly in our hectic daily lives and a driver may run a red light that has been red for longer than a second, an event that could indicate that the driver acted deliberately. A standard driving licence suspension is possible in such cases. The same principle applies if a driver is caught speeding 26 km/h or more over the speed limit twice within a period of six months.
Individual factors matter
If doubts arise in the cases described here and in similar scenarios, one critical question must be addressed: Does a suspension represent an unreasonably harsh penalty? This requires a fundamental determination to be made regarding the question of whether the accused acted with an increased level of recklessness or “simply” experienced a lapse of concentration, that is whether an individual who is normally a very careful and attentive driver lost his or her concentration for a brief moment. Key factors here include the individual’s knowledge of the area, recognition of street signs and construction-related conditions. If the accused wants to credibly demonstrate that a suspension of the driving licence represents an unreasonable penalty, the individual should make his or her case at an early stage and in great detail as well as clearly demonstrate that a suspension poses a threat to the individual’s existence. Simple professional and financial difficulties are insufficient arguments. The potential loss of employment is a different matter. This is viewed in practically all instances – although rare ones – as an unreasonable penalty. Other reasons that can prevent the suspension of a driving licence include a physical disability and/or illness or family members who require care.
A limited lesson
Another question that must be considered is whether the “lesson” could be limited only to certain types of vehicles. In such cases, German lawyers speak of the observance of the principle of proportionality and the prohibition of disproportionate measures. In one case, the driving licence of an independent farmer was suspended for speeding. But this “behind-the-wheel sinner” was able to win a ruling that limited the suspension only to cars. The court based its decision on the fact that the farmer needed to use his agricultural vehicles on public roads as part of his farming work (Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court, ruling from 06/06/1994 - 5 Ss (OWi) 187/94 - 5 Ss (OWi) 103/94 I).
Denkzettel mit Einschränkungen
Neben den genannten Punkten ist außerdem zu prüfen, ob eventuell die Beschränkung des Fahrverbots auf bestimmte Fahrzeugarten als „Denkzettel“ genügt. Die Juristen sprechen hier von der Wahrung des Verhältnismäßigkeitsgrundsatzes sowie des Übermaßverbotes. So wurde in einem konkreten Fall zum Beispiel gegen einen selbstständigen Landwirt nach einer Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung ein Fahrverbot verhängt. Jedoch konnte der „Verkehrssünder“ eine Beschränkung des Fahrverbots auf Pkw erwirken. Das Gericht begründete seine Entscheidung damit, dass der Landwirt im Zuge seiner beruflichen Tätigkeit darauf angewiesen sei, seine landwirtschaftlichen Fahrzeuge auch auf öffentlichen Straßen zu führen (OLG Düsseldorf, Beschluss vom 06.06.1994 - 5 Ss (OWi) 187/94 - 5 Ss (OWi) 103/94 I).
Fahrverbot aufgehoben … und die Geldbuße?
Doch wie bei so vielen Dingen im Leben ist auch hier nicht alles Gold, was glänzt. Zum einen führt der Verzicht auf ein Fahrverbot in der Regel zu einer mitunter drastischen Erhöhung der Geldbuße – bis hin zur Verdreifachung des Betrags. Zum anderen muss festgestellt werden, dass die Gerichte respektive die an Ordnungswidrigkeitenverfahren beteiligten Staatsanwaltschaften die Hürde zur Darlegung der besonderen Umstände immer höher ansetzen. Ein Fahrverbot zu umgehen ist also beileibe – und ja absolut zurecht – alles andere als ein Spaziergang.
A limited lesson
Another question that must be considered is whether the “lesson” could be limited only to certain types of vehicles. In such cases, German lawyers speak of the observance of the principle of proportionality and the prohibition of disproportionate measures. In one case, the driving licence of an independent farmer was suspended for speeding. But this “behind-the-wheel sinner” was able to win a ruling that limited the suspension only to cars. The court based its decision on the fact that the farmer needed to use his agricultural vehicles on public roads as part of his farming work (Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court, ruling from 06/06/1994 - 5 Ss (OWi) 187/94 - 5 Ss (OWi) 103/94 I).
Suspension lifted … what about the fine?
But like so many things in life, all that glitters is not gold. A decision against imposing a driving licence suspension frequently results in a much higher fine – up to three times the original amount. Another consideration is that the courts or the prosecutors assigned the case will apply ever tougher definitions to the special circumstances in the case. Preventing a driving licence from being suspended is – for very good reason – anything but a walk in the park.
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Please note that the content of this website is designed only for general information purposes and is not to be used as a source of legal advice. In addition, each case must be considered on the basis of its individual circumstances. Binding legal advice may be provided only by a lawyer.
Status: 28.06.2022
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