Hammer penalties abroad: car taken away and up to 5000 euros for speeding!

According to a recent study by the ADAC, traffic offenses abroad are often subject to more drastic penalties than traffic offenses in Germany. If you go on vacation unprepared, you could be in for a nasty surprise. It is therefore advisable to find out about the traffic regulations at your destination before you leave. In this blog post, we take a look at the five most absurd traffic penalties in European countries, where even the car can be confiscated.

Top five of the most absurd penalties abroad:

1. Drinking and driving in Italy:

In Italy, the vehicle can be confiscated and even auctioned off if you are caught driving with more than 1.5 per mille alcohol. A dangerous consequence for speeders!

2. Speed limit in Switzerland:

Switzerland punishes so-called "speeders" with drastic measures. In addition to a year in prison, the vehicle can also be confiscated. The court then decides whether the car is sold or scrapped. In Austria, speeding drivers also face similar penalties.

3. Red traffic lights and seat belts in Greece:

In Greece, not wearing a seatbelt is penalized with 350 euros, while running a red light costs a whopping 700 euros. In comparison, the fines in Turkey are significantly lower, at just 5 euros for wearing a seatbelt and 15 euros for running a red light.

4. Penalty according to income in Finland:

On the Finnish island of Åland, fines for speeding can be calculated according to income. A businessman had to pay an incredible 120,000 euros because he was driving at 82 km/h instead of the permitted 50 km/h.

5. Rude driving in Great Britain:

In Great Britain, rude driving is punished, for example when passers-by are splashed by puddles. This can result in a fine of up to 5,000 euros and three points on the traffic register.

A comparison of the rules in Germany:

The penalties in Germany may seem expensive, but compared to some foreign penalties they are comparatively moderate. A minimum fine of 60 euros is due for speeding at 20 km/h, and at least 480 euros for 50 km/h over the speed limit. With 0.5 per mille alcohol in the blood, the fines start at 500 euros, and running a red light costs between 90 and 360 euros.

Conclusion:

Anyone traveling abroad by car should urgently find out about the traffic regulations and penalties at their destination. This is because in some countries there is a threat of drastic measures such as confiscation of the vehicle. Doing your research beforehand can avoid nasty surprises and high fines.