Why is this fine imposed?
Running the engine without any real need causes noise and harmful emissions, which contradicts the basic principle of reducing both noise and air pollution.
German road traffic law (StVO § 30) and local environmental regulations (such as LImSchG) prohibit any unnecessary use of the engine, even if the vehicle is stationary.
Legal basis and penalty
The police or the local environmental authority may issue a fine either on the spot or later by written notice.
Basic fine: 80 euros.
In some situations, the fine may rise to 100 euros, for example if the noise level is particularly high or if the offence occurs in a residential area.
When are you expected to switch the engine off?
| Situation | Should the engine be switched off? |
|---|---|
| Long stop at a red traffic light (say ≥ 1 minute) | Yes |
| Stopping to load/unload luggage or passengers | Yes |
| Waiting for a short chat in front of the house | Yes |
| Heating in winter / warming up the engine at idle | Allowed only in emergencies (e.g. in cases of extreme cold) |
Real-life examples
In one German city, preventative fines were issued to ten vehicles within a single week in order to reduce pollution at traffic lights.
In other cases, cars were observed idling for extended periods in front of shops, which led to fines of up to 100 euros due to continuous noise.
Conclusion
Do not let your car engine run while you are waiting for a long time – it is not only a waste of fuel but also a violation of the law that can cost you between 80 and 100 euros.
Best practice?
Switch the engine off and start it again only when you actually need to move — for the sake of both the environment and your budget.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information through in-depth research and consultation of multiple sources when writing articles. Nevertheless, errors may occur or certain details may remain unconfirmed. For that reason, the information provided in our articles should be regarded as an initial point of reference, and you should always contact the competent authorities for definitive and legally binding information.
