Too close behind? Often it was only a moment.
Distance measurements from bridges look objective – but whether the shortfall was truly chargeable depends on the measuring section, the traffic situation and the analysis. A single car cutting in can topple the whole charge.
Important: You can only appeal a German fine notice (Bußgeldbescheid) within two weeks of service (sec. 67 OWiG). After that it becomes final – including points and any driving ban.
Get it reviewed nowFine catalogue: following distance
Measured in fractions of half the speedometer value: at 120 km/h, 5/10 of half the speedometer value equals 30 m of distance.
Up to 80 km/h
| Violation | Fine | Points | Driving ban | Check appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insufficient following distance | 25 € | – | – | Appeal rarely worthwhile |
| … with endangerment | 30 € | – | – | Appeal rarely worthwhile |
| … with property damage | 35 € | – | – | Appeal rarely worthwhile |
81–100 km/h
| Violation | Fine | Points | Driving ban | Check appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance < 5/10 of half the speedometer value | 75 € | 1 point | – | Free review |
| Distance < 4/10 of half the speedometer value | 100 € | 1 point | – | Free review |
| Distance < 3/10 of half the speedometer value | 160 € | 1 point | – | Free review |
| Distance < 2/10 of half the speedometer value | 240 € | 1 point | – | Free review |
| Distance < 1/10 of half the speedometer value | 320 € | 1 point | – | Free review |
101–130 km/h
| Violation | Fine | Points | Driving ban | Check appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance < 5/10 of half the speedometer value | 75 € | 1 point | – | Free review |
| Distance < 4/10 of half the speedometer value | 100 € | 1 point | – | Free review |
| Distance < 3/10 of half the speedometer value | 160 € | 2 points | 1 month | Free review |
| Distance < 2/10 of half the speedometer value | 240 € | 2 points | 2 months | Free review |
| Distance < 1/10 of half the speedometer value | 320 € | 2 points | 3 months | Free review |
Over 130 km/h
| Violation | Fine | Points | Driving ban | Check appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance < 5/10 of half the speedometer value | 100 € | 1 point | – | Free review |
| Distance < 4/10 of half the speedometer value | 180 € | 1 point | – | Free review |
| Distance < 3/10 of half the speedometer value | 240 € | 2 points | 2 months | Free review |
| Distance < 2/10 of half the speedometer value | 320 € | 2 points | 2 months | Free review |
| Distance < 1/10 of half the speedometer value | 400 € | 2 points | 3 months | Free review |
The typical weak points of distance measurements
- Shortfall only temporary (car cutting in, vehicle ahead braking suddenly)
- Measuring section too short to prove a sustained violation
- Calibration certificate or measurement log flawed or missing
- Braking deceleration and reaction distances not taken into account
- Vehicle attribution in the video not unambiguous
Especially important if a driving ban looms: how a driving ban can sometimes be averted.
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What others ask about this charge
How much distance must I keep?
Rule of thumb: half the speedometer value in metres – at 100 km/h that is 50 m. It becomes an offence when you keep less than 5/10 of half the speedometer value; the scale goes down to below 1/10.
When do points and driving bans loom?
Points apply from less than 5/10 of half the speedometer value at speeds above 80 km/h. Driving bans only loom above 100 km/h and at distances below 3/10 – up to 3 months.
The car in front braked – does that count?
Yes, that can be decisive: a merely momentary shortfall, for instance caused by a car cutting in or the vehicle ahead braking suddenly, generally does not constitute a chargeable tailgating violation.
How is the distance measured?
Usually by video from bridges (e.g. VKS, ViBrAM) over a defined measuring section. Calibration, section length and analysis are typical points of attack – as is the question whether the shortfall was “not merely temporary”.
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