Traffic lawyer in Berlin

In road traffic, a few seconds can decide on compensation, penalty points or your driving licence. Our law firm in Berlin-Charlottenburg represents accident victims, people facing fine proceedings and defendants in traffic criminal cases throughout Germany. We work in German, Russian, Ukrainian and English.

Traffic accidents and claims settlement

After an accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to compensation from the vehicle keeper and their motor liability insurer (§ 7 StVG, § 115 VVG). We enforce these claims against the insurer.

• Repair or replacement costs, loss in value and expert fees
• Rental car or compensation for loss of use
• Damages for pain and suffering (§ 253 BGB), loss of earnings and medical costs
• Defence against allegations of contributory fault and reductions by the insurer

Fines, penalty points and driving bans

Many fine notices (Bußgeldbescheid) do not stand up to scrutiny. You can appeal within two weeks (§ 67 OWiG). We inspect the file and check the measurement, deadlines and the limitation period.

• Appeals against fines for speeding, tailgating, red lights or mobile phone use
• Penalty points in the driving aptitude register in Flensburg; eight points lead to withdrawal of the licence (§ 4 StVG)
• Driving bans (§ 25 StVG) and measures during the probationary period (§ 2a StVG)
• Keeper liability when the driver has not been identified

Licence withdrawal and MPU

A driving licence can be withdrawn by a criminal court (§ 69 StGB) or by the licensing authority (§ 3 StVG). We represent you in both proceedings and support you on the way to getting your licence back.

• Provisional withdrawal (§ 111a StPO) and the blocking period for a new licence (§ 69a StGB)
• Medical-psychological assessment (MPU, § 13 FeV)
• Reissue of the driving licence
• Exchange of foreign driving licences (§ 29 FeV)

Traffic criminal law

Traffic offences can result in a fine, a driving ban and withdrawal of the licence. We defend you from the first letter from the police; more on criminal defence under criminal law.

• Drunk driving (§ 316 StGB), including on an e-scooter, and driving under the influence of drugs (§ 24a StVG)
• Leaving the scene of an accident (§ 142 StGB)
• Endangering road traffic (§ 315c StGB) and negligent bodily harm (§ 229 StGB)
• Driving without a licence (§ 21 StVG)

How we work

1. Initial consultation: you describe what happened, and we name running deadlines and the next steps. Until then, do not comment on the matter.
2. Inspection of files: we review the accident file, the measurement record or the investigation file.
3. Representation: we negotiate with the insurer and the authority and represent you in court.

We agree on the format and fee with you before we start; traffic legal expenses insurance often covers the costs.

Selected cases from our practice

Every case is different; past results are no guarantee of the outcome of your case.

• Leaving the scene of an accident under § 142 StGB: how to refute the allegation
• Wrongly accused of leaving the scene while parking
• A minor accident without fault
• Drunk driving: offence and penalty
• Drunk driving: administrative or criminal offence?
• E-scooters and § 316 StGB
• Drunk driving with an accident (§§ 315c, 316 StGB)
• Driving without a licence: a forgotten driving ban
• Negligent bodily harm caused by a car door
• A car registered to a fraudster, and the fines

All articles in this section

A complete list of guides and cases from our practice in this area of law.

• Negligence on the Road in Germany: When It Becomes a Crime
• E-Scooter Night Ride and § 316 StGB: Drunk Driving Case
• Leaving the Scene Under § 142 StGB: Avoiding Fahrerflucht
• Riding an E-Scooter While Intoxicated Under § 316 StGB
• Wrongful Accusation of Leaving the Scene Under § 142 StGB
• Drunk Driving Under § 316 StGB and Leaving the Scene
• Drunk Driving Accident on the Autobahn: § 316, § 142 StGB
• False Accusation of Leaving the Scene Under § 142 StGB
• Parking Lot Accident and Leaving the Scene under § 142 StGB
• Negligent Bodily Harm under § 229 StGB (Dooring)
• Drunk Driving § 316 StGB and Resisting Police § 113 StGB
• Driving Without a Licence, § 21 StVG: Forgotten Driving Ban
• Assault on a Cyclist under §223 and §185 StGB
• A Car Registered by a Fraudster and Traffic Fines
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident under §142 StGB
• A Forged Transit Ticket and Document Forgery under §267 StGB
• Charged with Fleeing the Scene of an Accident, §142 StGB
• A Minor Accident Without Fault under §142 StGB
• An Accident Between Two Cyclists under §229 StGB
• Drunk Driving under §316 StGB
• A Drunk-Driving Accident under §315c and §316 StGB

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to appeal against a fine notice?

Two weeks from service (§ 67 OWiG). After that, the fine notice becomes final, even if it is wrong.

Who pays my lawyer after an accident that was not my fault?

As a rule, the motor liability insurer of the other party: if you were not at fault, your legal fees are part of the damage that must be compensated.

When is an MPU ordered?

Among other things, after driving with a blood alcohol level of 1.6 per mille or more and after repeated alcohol offences in road traffic (§ 13 FeV). Driving under the influence of drugs can also lead to an MPU.

Can a driving ban be avoided?

Sometimes – for example, if the measurement was faulty or in cases of particular hardship. If you have not had a driving ban in the last two years, you can choose when it starts within four months (§ 25(2a) StVG).

Do I have to make a statement to the police?

No. As the person concerned or the accused, you do not have to say anything about the matter. It is advisable to comment only after a lawyer has inspected the file.

Is my foreign driving licence valid in Germany?

EU and EEA licences remain valid. Licences from other countries generally only entitle you to drive for six months after taking up residence in Germany; after that, they must be exchanged (§ 29 FeV).

How much does the initial consultation cost?

It depends on the nature and scope of your matter – from a short free assessment to a full initial consultation. Fees are agreed individually: every case is discussed personally with the lawyer, and we always tell you the cost before the consultation begins. We do not give general legal information without reviewing your specific case. If you then instruct us in the same matter, the fee for the initial consultation is credited against the further fees (§ 34(2) RVG).