Bußgeldbescheid

Bußgeldbescheid (fine notice): what it means and how to object in 2 weeks

From: The fine authority (Bußgeldstelle or Ordnungsamt)

A Bußgeldbescheid is an official decision that says you committed an administrative offence, for example speeding, and sets a fine. You can object to it, but the time is short. The deadline starts when the notice is delivered to you.

Why you got this letter

• A traffic offence, for example speeding or running a red light.
• Parking or other regulatory offences.
• The authority sent an Anhörungsbogen earlier and has now decided.

What to do

1. 1Find the delivery date (often on the envelope or the delivery slip). Keep the envelope. Count two weeks from delivery.
2. 2Check the details: your name, the vehicle, the date, the place, the offence, and the amount.
3. 3Decide: pay or object. If you pay, you generally accept the decision.
4. 4If you object, send the Einspruch in writing, or declare it in person for the record (zur Niederschrift), to the authority that issued the notice, before the two weeks end.
5. 5Send it in the way the notice describes, and keep proof that you sent it.
6. 6If you are unsure, get advice from a lawyer who knows traffic law before you decide.

Deadline

Two weeks after delivery (Zustellung) to file an Einspruch. For payment, the notice tells you to pay no later than two weeks after it becomes final, or by a later date it sets.

If you do nothing

If nobody objects in time, the notice becomes final and enforceable (§ 66 OWiG). The notice tells you to pay no later than two weeks after it becomes final, or by a later date it sets. If you cannot pay in time, the notice says you must explain in writing or in person to the enforcement authority why. It also warns that Erzwingungshaft (a court-ordered detention to force payment) may be ordered if you do not comply. Other measures named in the notice, such as a driving ban or points, apply as the notice says.

Can you object?

Yes. File an Einspruch within two weeks after delivery (§ 67 OWiG). Do it in writing or orally for the record (zur Niederschrift) at the authority that issued the notice. You can limit it to specific points. Be aware: the notice warns that if you object, the court may reach a decision that is less favourable to you (§ 66 OWiG).

Words in this letter

Bußgeldbescheid

An official notice that sets a fine for an administrative offence.

Einspruch

Your formal objection.

Zustellung

Official delivery. The two weeks start here.

Rechtskräftig

Final. It can no longer be challenged.

Betroffener

The person concerned, that is you.

Verwaltungsbehörde

The authority that issued the notice.

Example reply

File an Einspruch within two weeks.

[Vor- und Nachname]
[Anschrift]

An: [Bußgeldstelle, Adresse laut Bescheid]

[Ort], [Datum]

Betreff: Einspruch gegen den Bußgeldbescheid vom [Datum], Aktenzeichen [Aktenzeichen]

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

hiermit lege ich Einspruch gegen den oben genannten Bußgeldbescheid ein. Der Bescheid wurde mir am [Datum der Zustellung] zugestellt.

[Optional: Begründung / Ich werde den Einspruch gesondert begründen.]

Bitte bestätigen Sie mir den Eingang.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
[Unterschrift]
[Vor- und Nachname]

[Full name]
[Address]

To: [fine authority, address as on the notice]

[Place], [date]

Subject: Objection to the fine notice dated [date], reference [reference]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hereby object to the fine notice named above. The notice was delivered to me on [date of delivery].

[Optional: reasons / I will give my reasons separately.]

Please confirm receipt.

Kind regards
[Signature]
[Full name]

Questions people ask

Sources

• § 67 OWiG (Form und Frist des Einspruchs)
• § 66 OWiG (Inhalt des Bußgeldbescheides)

Updated 2026-10-20. This page explains a common type of letter; it is not legal advice. Your letter may differ, so check its dates and amounts.