Fine notice, hearing questionnaire or warning?
| Document | Meaning | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Anhörungsbogen | The authority invites your response to an allegation | Follow instructions on required details and your right to remain silent; not yet an objection under § 67 OWiG |
| Warning with a warning payment | Offer to resolve the case through a simplified procedure | Check acceptance and payment under § 56 OWiG |
| Bußgeldbescheid | Formal fine decision with remedy instructions | Object within two weeks of service |
Two weeks from service
Under § 67(1) OWiG, your objection must reach the authority that issued the fine notice within two weeks of service. Keep the yellow service envelope and its recorded date. Valid service can occur by placing it in your letterbox, not only when you later read it.
Calculation follows § 43 StPO via § 46 OWiG: a week-based deadline generally ends on the corresponding weekday. If the end falls on Saturday, Sunday or a general public holiday, it moves to the next working day. Without a holiday: service on Monday, 9 November 2026 means expiry on Monday, 23 November 2026. Have disputed service or an uncertain calculation checked.
Where and in what form?
Object in writing or by a statement recorded at the authority named in the notice. For a paper letter include reference, clear objection, name and signature. Do not assume ordinary email is accepted; check an expressly authorised electronic channel. If time is short, personal submission or a permissible fax with a complete transmission report may help.
A detailed explanation is not initially required. You may submit reasons after reviewing the evidence. Restricting the objection, for example to the penalty, can have consequences and merits professional advice.
Sample: initial objection preserving the deadline
Subject: Objection to fine notice, reference [number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I hereby object to your fine notice dated [date], served on me on [date].
I will submit reasons after reviewing the documents. Please confirm receipt of my objection.
Yours faithfully,
[Name, address, date, signature]
Use the traffic fine objection template and adapt every detail. The English example explains the content; submit a comprehensible German declaration where required.
What to check and what can go wrong?
- Are the vehicle, person, time and location correct? Is the photograph clear?
- Are there concrete issues with measurement or identification? Consider requesting file access; a suspected error does not automatically invalidate a fine.
- Are points or a driving ban at stake? Legal advice is particularly useful.
A timely admissible objection initially prevents the notice becoming final. The case may proceed to court, incur additional costs and result in a less favourable outcome. It is no guarantee of dismissal or a lower fine. Reinstatement after a missed deadline is available only in special circumstances.
Do not risk the deadline with postage
Einwurfeinschreiben can provide delivery evidence, but does not automatically prove the contents. Keep a complete copy. If the deadline is close, do not rely on ordinary postal transit times.
Official sources
§ 67 OWiG · § 46 OWiG · § 43 StPO · § 56 OWiG
Note: General information, not legal advice; check the remedy instructions in your own notice.