Traffic

Traffic criminal law covers allegations arising on the road: drink driving under section 316 StGB, endangering road traffic under section 315c StGB, leaving the scene of an accident under section 142 StGB and negligent bodily harm under section 229 StGB. Regulatory offences, which lead only to a fine, are treated separately.

The most common question is not how high the penalty will be, but what happens to the driving licence. The criminal court may withdraw it under sections 69 and 69a StGB and set a period before reissue; a provisional withdrawal under section 111a StPO is possible during the investigation. In parallel, the licensing authority examines fitness to drive.

The guides in this area explain what happens after a roadside check, what breath and blood alcohol readings mean, the duty to wait after an accident, and the route to a new licence. They describe the general legal position. This is general information and does not replace advice on an individual case.