Traffic · Germany
Bußgeldbescheid — the fine decision, and the two weeks that decide whether it stands
A Bußgeldbescheid is the formal fine decision in an administrative-offense case — speeding, a red light, and similar. It is not a criminal conviction, but it becomes final and enforceable if no Einspruch is filed within 2 weeks.
How serious: needs actionAlso called: Bußgeldbescheid wegen einer Verkehrsordnungswidrigkeit, fine notice
The Bußgeldbescheid fixes the Geldbuße, the fees, and any ancillary consequences printed on it — for an offense such as speeding or running a red light. It follows the Anhörung stage.
It is not a criminal conviction. But it becomes final and enforceable if you do not object in time — the notice itself must tell you this (OWiG §66: it 'rechtskräftig und vollstreckbar wird, wenn kein Einspruch nach §67 eingelegt wird').
The notice also carries a mandatory warning about Erzwingungshaft — coercive detention for non-payment. That measure targets only those unwilling to pay, not those unable to pay, and the notice itself invites a written explanation of inability to pay.
Who sends it
The Bußgeldstelle — the administrative fines authority of the police, a municipality, or the Land — that handled the offense. For traffic offenses this is often a central office such as the Polizei Berlin Bußgeldstelle.
Often served in a yellow envelope with a date stamp. The title 'Bußgeldbescheid', a list of the offense and evidence, the fine amount plus 'Gebühren und Auslagen', a Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung about the 2-week Einspruch, and a warning that Erzwingungshaft can be ordered — that warning is mandatory content under OWiG §66.
The deadline
Einspruch within 2 weeks of service (OWiG §67: 'innerhalb von zwei Wochen nach Zustellung'), in writing or declared at the issuing authority.
An Einspruch can be filed within 2 weeks of service (OWiG §67), in writing or declared at the issuing authority. The period runs from Zustellung — the delivery date stamped on the envelope.
If you do nothing
The Bußgeldbescheid becomes final (rechtskräftig) and enforceable (OWiG §66). The fine must then be paid at the latest two weeks after finality. The notice itself invites a written explanation of inability to pay; without one, non-payment can lead to Erzwingungshaft of up to six weeks for one fine, up to three months for several (OWiG §96) — ordered only against those unwilling, not unable, to pay.
How it escalates
- 01After 2 weeks: finality; the fine plus fees is enforceable (OWiG §66).
- 02Payment is demanded within 2 weeks of finality (OWiG §66); then enforcement measures follow.
- 03For persistent non-payment despite the ability to pay: Erzwingungshaft up to 6 weeks for one fine, up to 3 months for several (OWiG §96) — the detention does not erase the debt.
- 04Ancillary consequences printed on the Bescheid — for example a driving ban — take effect as stated on it.
Common questions
Is this a criminal conviction?
No. It is an administrative fine decision. But without a timely Einspruch it becomes final and enforceable (OWiG §66).
Can the result get worse after an Einspruch?
Yes, it can. The mandatory instructions on the Bescheid warn that the outcome after an Einspruch can also be worse (OWiG §66).
What is Erzwingungshaft?
Coercive detention for non-payment: up to six weeks for one fine, up to three months for several (OWiG §96). It is ordered only against those unwilling to pay, not those unable — and it does not erase the debt. Inability to pay can be explained in writing.
Sources
Facts verified against the sources below on 28 August 2026.