Seven km/h too fast – usually a problem for your wallet, not your driving license. But a driver on the A3 experienced how a minor speeding violation suddenly turned into a driving ban and a fine of almost 1,000 euros.
In September 2025, a driver is on the A3 near Windhagen towards Frankfurt. The speed limit is 131 km/h – the speed limit for cars would be 120 km/h. After deducting the tolerance, a small excess of seven km/h remains. Normally this would result in a fine.
To put it into perspective: going seven km/h too fast usually costs 20 euros outside of town and 30 euros in town. Anyone who is still on probation must expect a so-called B violation, even for such minor violations. B violations are less serious traffic violations, but if several incidents occur, they can have consequences such as an extension of the probationary period or the ordering of an advanced seminar.
But a few weeks later there was a fine notice that hardly seemed to be compatible with the measurement: a month’s driving ban, two points in Flensburg and a fine of 960 euros. There are also administration fees. A minor infraction suddenly becomes a serious infraction, as Auto Motor und Sport reports.
The small car becomes a truck
The reason lies not in the driving behavior, but in the official classification: the car was not classified as a car, but as a truck. This means that different regulations apply on motorways; only 80 km/h is permitted.
This turns 131 km/h into exceeding 47 km/h – with automatic consequences such as points and a driving ban. However, a small car can clearly be seen in the speed camera photo. At the same time, a bus appears in the measuring area in the opposite lane. It remains unclear whether the technology has become confused here.
Traffic lawyers emphasize that incorrect vehicle classification can have serious consequences. “This changes the entire sentence,” says lawyer Tom Louven. In such cases, intent is quickly assumed, even if objectively there is hardly anything wrong.
Objection instead of resignation
The driver concerned lodged an objection – within the deadline within two weeks. According to the current catalog of fines, if he exceeded the speed limit by seven km/h he would only have been given a fine of 20 euros. Nevertheless, even after an internal review, the fines office stuck to its assessment and passed on the case. In the end, a district court is likely to decide.
The chances of success are considered good because the photographic evidence does not show a truck.
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