Driving Infractions with Long-Term Consequences - Permanent License Loss in Germany
- By Christian Hensen
- Approx - 2 Mins Read
Irreversible License Termination: Disappearance Indefinitely Due to These Transgressions - The Lapland has fallen due to these transgressions.
In Germany, there are several driving violations that can lead to losing your driving privileges - permanently. While German traffic law is relatively lenient, certain offenses can result in severe penalties beyond a small fine. Distinguish between a driving ban and permanent driver's license revocation.
A driving ban, while temporary, automatically ends after the specified duration. This penalty is common for infractions such as speeding excessively, disobeying traffic lights, or exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit.
Distinguishing Between a Driving Ban and Driver's License Revocation
The length of a driving ban varies depending on the severity of the offense, ranging from one to six months. First-time offenders might have the option to surrender their license at the competent fine office. However, this privilege is not available for repeat offenders.
On the other hand, driver's license revocation is much more consequential. The right to drive a motor vehicle is initially revoked permanently. After the suspension period, a reapplication may be required along with a medical-psychological examination (MPU). The ADAC estimates the costs to exceed 2,000 euros, excluding the fine for the actual offense.
Section 69 of the Criminal Code (StGB) outlines reasons for driver's license revocation. Offenses involving alcohol, drugs, illegal street racing, hit-and-run, or endangerment of road traffic can lead to revocation.
When is a Court Likely to Impose a Permanent Driver's License Revocation?
Section 69a (1) of the Criminal Code grants the court the authority to order a permanent driver's license revocation in specific circumstances. Accordingly, the statutory maximum period for preventing danger may not be sufficient. If the offender does not already hold a driver's license, only the suspension will be ordered.
When might the court resort to this drastic measure? A lifetime driver's license revocation can be imposed for repeat violations of existing suspensions, multiple instances of driving under the influence, or serious behavioral disorders. Additionally, crimes in which the vehicle is used as a weapon or instrument can lead to permanent revocation.
Medical reasons can also lead a court to conclude that physical or psychological conditions make it impossible to drive a vehicle.
- Driver's license
- Driver's license revocation
- Driving ban
- Germany
- Fine
- German traffic law
Additional Insights:
While Germany's Federal Highway Code (Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung, StVO) and Driving License Regulation (Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung, FeV) primarily govern driver's license revocation, Section 69a of the Criminal Code does not directly address road traffic offenses or license revocation.
Instead, driver's license revocation for serious traffic offenses is typically covered under German traffic law. Significant offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI), hit-and-run, reckless driving or causing a serious accident due to gross negligence can lead to license revocation.
Accumulating too many points under the points system (Punktekonto) can also lead to license revocation. For specific legal advice regarding offenses that might result in permanent driver's license revocation, consult German traffic law or a legal expert.
- In Germany, certain driving violations, such as repeat offenses, driving under the influence, or endangerment of road traffic, can lead to a permanent revocation of a driver's license.
- The penalty of a permanent driver's license revocation in Germany is more severe compared to a driving ban, which is temporary and ends after a specified duration.
- German traffic law outlines reasons for driver's license revocation in section 69 of the Criminal Code, including offenses involving alcohol, drugs, illegal street racing, hit-and-run, and endangerment of road traffic.
- A court may order a permanent driver's license revocation if the offender has a history of repeat violations, multiple instances of driving under the influence, or serious behavioral disorders.
- In Germany, the cost for reapplying for a driver's license after revocation, along with a medical-psychological examination (MPU), can exceed 2,000 euros, excluding the fine for the actual offense.
