Bußgeld

Bußgeld is a monetary penalty imposed by a public authority for an administrative offense (Ordnungswidrigkeit). It is a non-criminal sanction used to enforce compliance with laws and regulations and is collected by the state. The amount is set according to statutory scales or by the issuing authority, reflecting the severity of the violation, the circumstances, and the offender's record. The term is used across German-speaking countries.

A Bußgeld is typically issued as a Bußgeldbescheid. The document identifies the offense, the amount due, the legal basis, and the payment deadline. Recipients usually have the right to contest the decision by filing an objection (Widerspruch) or appealing to an administrative court. If paid in time, the case ends; if not paid, the authority may initiate enforcement procedures to collect the debt, such as garnishment or other collection measures.

Bußgeld differs from Geldstrafe, which is a criminal penalty imposed under criminal law and handled through the courts. Bußgelder are part of administrative law and primarily concern violations of regulatory rules, such as traffic regulations, environmental rules, or public safety obligations.

The system aims to deter violations efficiently without the need for criminal proceedings, providing a proportionate and swift response to non-criminal offenses.