Disqualification from driving
If your case goes to court, losing your driving licence is a real possibility. The table below outlines the licence sanctions that apply to significant speeding offences.
Built-up areas
16-20 km/h over the limit
Warning
21-24 km/h over the limit
1 month minimum disqualification
25 km/h or more over the limit
3 months minimum disqualification
Outside built-up areas
21-25 km/h over the limit
Warning
26-29 km/h over the limit
1 month minimum disqualification
30 km/h or more over the limit
3 months minimum disqualification
Motorway
26-30 km/h over the limit
Warning
31-34 km/h over the limit
1 month minimum disqualification
35 km/h or more over the limit
3 months minimum disqualification
A warning works like a yellow card: if you exceed the speed limit again within two years, your driving licence will be withdrawn. Anyone who has previous speeding offences on record must expect significantly longer disqualification periods.
In cases of dangerously excessive speeds, the police can confiscate your licence immediately. You will also be required to undergo a psychological assessment to verify whether you are still considered fit to drive.
Explanation
As a general rule, driving up to 15 km/h over the speed limit in built-up areas, up to 20 km/h over the speed limit outside built-up areas, and up to 25 km/h over the speed limit on the highway will not result in a license suspension.
After that (for the next 4 km/h over the speed limit), it depends on whether you have received a warning or had your license revoked in the last two years: if not, your license will not be revoked. If you have, however, you can expect to have your license revoked for at least one month.
If you exceed the speed limit by another 5 km/h, your license will be revoked for at least one month, regardless of any previous offenses, or for longer if you have previous offenses.
If you exceed the speed limit by another 5 km/h, your license will be revoked for at least three months, or for longer if you have previous offenses.
In the red zone (50 km/h over the speed limit in built-up areas, 60 km/h over the speed limit outside built-up areas, and 80 km/h over the speed limit on the highway), speeding will result in a minimum license suspension of 24 months, or longer if you have previous convictions.
Please note: Outside built-up areas, the speed limit usually only applies after the town sign!
The fine (from the public prosecutor) does not indicate whether a license suspension (from the road traffic authority) will also be imposed. If you pay the fine in the penalty order, you acknowledge the accusation, which the road traffic authority will then automatically rely on. You must therefore defend yourself against the fine/public prosecutor if you want to avoid a license suspension. See more on this under Road Traffic Law.
Any Questions?
In the Q&A section, you will find further answers regarding fines, proceedings, and license revocation.