- Price
- €7.95incl. VAT, 2 pages included
- Delivery time
- Next business dayusually, after handover to the post
- Proof
- Delivery recordinto the letterbox, + tracking
- Handed to the post
- Upload by 12:00Central European Time on a business day, posted the same day
- Counts as
- Domestic registered mailprinted and posted in Germany
Does the appeal have to go by registered mail?
No. The appeal (Einspruch) must reach the authority that issued the notice in writing or be put on record there. The law does not say how the letter gets there: registered mail (Einschreiben), fax or delivery in person all work. A plain email is often not accepted; only if the authority offers an approved electronic channel.
Because the deadline is short and receipt by the authority counts, a letter with proof of delivery is the usual safe route.
How do you count the two weeks?
The period starts on service. If the notice came with a yellow service record envelope, the date is on the envelope. Note it before you throw the envelope away.
An Einschreiben Einwurf is usually delivered the next business day after handover to the post. Still leave a margin and do not send the appeal on the last day. If time is very short, a fax with a transmission report is a useful addition.
What is the deadline?
| Point | Rule |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Two weeks from service of the notice |
| What counts | Receipt by the authority, not the date you send it |
| Addressee | The authority that issued the notice |
| Form | In writing, or on record at the authority |
| Scope | The appeal can be limited to specific points |
How do you appeal by registered mail?
- Note the service dateIt is on the yellow envelope; two weeks run from then.
- Write the appealWith the case reference; you do not have to give reasons.
- Upload by 12:00 CETThe letter is then posted the same business day.
- Keep your proofUntil the fine office replies.
Sample appeal against a German fine notice
In German, the language of the fine office. "Ich bitte um Akteneinsicht" asks to see the evidence, such as the speed camera photo, before you give reasons.
[Vorname Nachname]
[Anschrift]
[Bußgeldstelle]
[Anschrift]
Aktenzeichen: [Aktenzeichen]
Einspruch gegen den Bußgeldbescheid vom [Datum]
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
hiermit lege ich gegen den oben genannten Bußgeldbescheid Einspruch ein.
[Begründung, wenn Sie eine geben wollen. Sie können sie auch später nachreichen.]
Ich bitte um Akteneinsicht.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
[Vorname Nachname]
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to send a German fine appeal by registered mail?
No. It must reach the authority in writing or be put on record there. Registered mail is the usual proof it arrived in time.
How long do I have to appeal a German fine?
Two weeks from service of the fine notice. What counts is receipt by the authority.
Can I appeal by email?
Only if the authority offers an approved electronic channel. A plain email is often not accepted.
Do I have to give reasons?
No. Reasons are not required, but they can help. You can also limit the appeal to specific points.
Where do I send the appeal?
To the authority that issued the notice. Its address is on the notice.
Does registered mail prove the contents?
No registered letter proves the contents. Your proof PDF does contain the printed letter, so you can show what you sent.