Wegweiser Suspects · Your rights in criminal proceedings Deutsch

🚗 Fine proceedings: objection (2 weeks)

If you receive a fine notice, you have two weeks to object.

In brief

A fine notice is not criminal proceedings but administrative offence proceedings. It concerns a fine, not a criminal penalty.

You can object within two weeks of service (§ 67 OWiG). In writing or for the record at the administrative authority that issued the notice.

You can limit the objection to certain points. Without an objection, the notice becomes legally binding.

Step by step

  1. Note the date of serviceThe deadline starts with service.
  2. Check the noticeCheck the allegation, place, time and amount.
  3. File the objectionIn writing or for the record at the authority. A defence lawyer can help.

Deadlines

2 weeks
Objection to a fine notice after service§ 67 Abs. 1 OWiG
Watch out – common mistakes
  • For administrative offences, legal advice assistance (Beratungshilfe) under the BerHG is granted only as advice, not as representation (§ 2 para. 2 BerHG).
  • Points, driving bans and the amount of fines are not covered here.
  • After the objection, a court decides. The procedure was not examined in detail here.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Deadline and form

§ 67 para. 1 OWiG: The person concerned may object to the fine notice within two weeks of service, in writing or for the record at the administrative authority that issued the notice. The objection may be limited to certain points of complaint. The provisions of the StPO (§§ 297 to 300, 302) apply accordingly.

Legal advice assistance

Under § 2 para. 2 BerHG, in matters of criminal law and administrative offence law only advice is granted.

Not covered

Limitation periods, cautionary fines (Verwarnungsgeld), driving bans, appeal on points of law (Rechtsbeschwerde) and proceedings before the local court.

Who is responsible
  • Administrative authority that issued the notice
  • Local court (after objection)
  • Lawyer

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Fine proceedings: objection (2 weeks)“?
If you receive a fine notice, you have two weeks to object.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
2 weeks: Objection to a fine notice after service (§ 67 Abs. 1 OWiG)
What should I do first?
  • Note the date of service: The deadline starts with service.
  • Check the notice: Check the allegation, place, time and amount.
  • File the objection: In writing or for the record at the authority. A defence lawyer can help.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • For administrative offences, legal advice assistance (Beratungshilfe) under the BerHG is granted only as advice, not as representation (§ 2 para. 2 BerHG).
  • Points, driving bans and the amount of fines are not covered here.
  • After the objection, a court decides. The procedure was not examined in detail here.
Evidence
  • Bundesministerium der Justiz, Gesetze im Internet: § 67 OWiG, retrieved 20 September 2026
  • Bundesministerium der Justiz, Gesetze im Internet: BerHG § 2 (gesetze-im-internet.de/berathig/__2.html), retrieved 20 September 2026
As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

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