Flensburg Driving License Points System in Germany Explained (2026 Update)

What Is the Flensburg Points System?

The Flensburg points system (Punktesystem in Flensburg) is Germany's central registry for traffic violations. Managed by the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA), it assigns points to drivers who commit traffic offenses. If you accumulate too many points, you risk a driving ban or even losing your license. This guide explains how the system works in 2026, what the law says, and how you can protect your driving privileges.

How the Points System Works

The current system, reformed in 2014 and updated in 2024, is simpler than the old one. Points are now based on the severity of the offense:

• 1 point – for minor offenses like speeding up to 20 km/h over the limit, or parking violations that endanger others.
• 2 points – for more serious offenses, such as speeding over 20 km/h, running a red light, or using a mobile phone while driving.
• 3 points – for very serious violations, including drunk driving (over 1.1‰ blood alcohol content), hit-and-run, or causing an accident with injuries.

Points are deleted automatically after a certain time (usually 2.5 years for minor offenses, 5 years for serious ones, and 10 years for very serious ones). However, if you commit another violation during that time, the deletion period resets.

Step-by-Step: What Happens When You Get Points

If you receive a traffic ticket (Bußgeldbescheid) that includes points, here’s what to expect:

1. Check the ticket carefully. The ticket will state the offense, the fine, and the points. You have two weeks to object (Einspruch einlegen). If you don’t object, the points are entered into the Flensburg register.
2. Monitor your point total. You can request a free point status report (Punktestandauskunft) from the KBA once a year. Use the online portal or write to: Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, Postfach 10 10 12, 24932 Flensburg.
3. Know the thresholds: At 4-5 points, you get a warning letter from the KBA. At 6-7 points, you get a second warning and are offered a voluntary driving safety seminar (Fahreignungsseminar). At 8 points or more, your license is revoked (Entzug der Fahrerlaubnis).
4. Act proactively: If you have 1-5 points, you can voluntarily attend a driving safety seminar to reduce your points by 1 point. This seminar is only allowed once every five years.
5. If your license is revoked, you must wait at least six months before you can apply for a new license. You will also need to pass a medical-psychological assessment (MPU), often called the "Idiotentest."

Differences Between Germany and Austria

While Austria has a similar points system (Vormerksystem), there are key differences:

• Point values: In Austria, minor violations earn 1 point, serious ones 2 points, and very serious ones 3 points (similar to Germany). However, Austria uses a different threshold for license suspension: at 5 points (instead of 8) for new drivers, and at 7 points for experienced drivers.
• Point reduction: In Austria, you can reduce points by attending a traffic safety course (Verkehrssicherheitskurs) once every two years, reducing your total by 1 point. In Germany, the reduction is also 1 point, but only once every five years.
• Cross-border enforcement: Points from Austria do not automatically transfer to Germany, but serious offenses (like drunk driving) can lead to reciprocal measures under EU law. The EU Cross-Border Enforcement Directive (2015/413) allows member states to exchange information on traffic offenses, but points themselves are not transferred—only fines and penalties.
• Legal basis: Germany’s system is governed by the Straßenverkehrsgesetz (StVG) and the Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung (FeV). Austria’s system is based on the Führerscheingesetz (FSG).

How to Reduce or Remove Points

If you have points, you can take steps to improve your record:

• Wait for automatic deletion: Points expire after 2.5, 5, or 10 years, depending on severity. The clock starts from the date of the offense, not the conviction.
• Attend a driving safety seminar: For 1 point reduction (only if you have 1-5 points). Cost: around €300-€500. Find approved providers at the KBA website.
• No voluntary reductions for 6+ points: Once you reach 6 points, you cannot voluntarily reduce points. At 8 points, your license is revoked.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Flensburg Points System

Q: How can I check my current points in Flensburg?
A: You can request a free point status report online at the KBA website (www.kba.de) or by mail. You need your driver’s license number and personal details. It’s free once a year.

Q: What happens if I get points in another EU country?
A: Under EU Directive 2015/413, Germany can enforce fines from other EU states, but points are not transferred. However, serious offenses like drunk driving may trigger a review of your driving license in Germany.

Q: Can I lose my license even if I never had a ticket?
A: Yes, if you commit a single very serious offense (e.g., drunk driving with 1.6‰ BAC), you can lose your license immediately, even without prior points.

Q: Do points affect my insurance?
A: Yes, insurance companies can access your Flensburg record and may increase your premiums if you have points. Some insurers offer discounts for drivers with clean records.

Q: Can I object to a ticket that gives me points?
A: Yes, you have two weeks to file an objection (Einspruch) with the local authority that issued the ticket. Consult a lawyer if you believe the ticket is unjust.

Q: How long do points stay on my record?
A: Minor offenses (1 point): 2.5 years. Serious offenses (2 points): 5 years. Very serious (3 points): 10 years. The clock starts from the offense date.

Official Resources & Legal References

For more details, consult these official sources:

• Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) – www.kba.de – Free point status request and list of approved driving safety seminars.
• Straßenverkehrsgesetz (StVG) – Sections 28-30 (points system). Full text at www.gesetze-im-internet.de.
• Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung (FeV) – Sections 40-43 (point reduction and seminars).
• EU Cross-Border Enforcement Directive 2015/413 – Available at eur-lex.europa.eu.
• Austrian Führerscheingesetz (FSG) – Sections 4-7 (points system). Full text at www.ris.bka.gv.at.

This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change, and individual circumstances vary.

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