“Play Street” (Spielstraße) in Germany: Driving at 10 km/h could cost you 30 euros!
What is a play street?
A play street, or verkehrsberuhigter Bereich (traffic-calmed area), is a street that is designated for shared use by cars and pedestrians, with priority given to the safety of children who may be playing in the street. It is marked by a distinctive blue sign (sign 325). In these areas:
Only walking speed (Schrittgeschwindigkeit) is allowed, meaning less than 10 km/h.
Pedestrians, especially children, may use the entire street space freely.
Stopping and parking are permitted only in clearly designated areas, not along the entire street.
Is 10 km/h really “wrong”?
Yes, according to the view of the courts and official regulations:
Higher regional courts (such as Cologne, Hamm, etc.) state that the permissible speed is generally between 4 and 10 km/h (bussgeldkatalog.org).
Some courts consider 10 km/h to be the absolute upper limit of acceptable speed in these areas.
Any speed exceeding this limit is interpreted as “speeding” and exposes you to a fine.
What are the fines under the new 2025 penalty schedule?
| Excess speed (km/h) | Fine (€) | Points in the Flensburg register | Driving ban (Fahrverbot) |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 10 | 30 € | 0 | no |
| 11–15 | 50 € | 0 | no |
| 16–20 | 70 € | 0 | no |
| 21–25 | 115 € | 1 | no |
| 26–30 | 180 € | 1 | usually 1 month |
| 31–40 | 260 € | 2 | 1 month |
| 41–50 | 400 € | 2 | 1 month |
| 51–60 | 560 € | 2 | 2 months |
| 61–70 | 700 € | 2 | 3 months |
| more than 70 | 800 € | 2 | 3 months (bussgeld-info.de, bussgeldkatalog.org) |
Note: A driving ban (Fahrverbot) is usually imposed if you exceed the speed limit in built-up areas by more than 26 km/h twice within one year.
Why is the penalty so strict?
A play street is designed to protect the most vulnerable groups: children and pedestrians.
Even a small amount of speeding can pose serious danger in this kind of environment.
German legislation treats exceeding the 10 km/h limit in this area as a serious disregard for the safety of others.
How to stay safe and avoid fines
Reduce your speed to around 2–7 km/h if you want to be completely safe – courts usually favour this range (bussgeldsiegen.de).
Use low gears and, where possible, let the car roll in idle to prevent unintended acceleration.
Stay fully alert: watch out for children in the street, other vehicles, and side entrances or driveways.
Conclusion
A play street is not a normal road, but a “living area” where low speeds and special caution are mandatory.
Exceeding the speed by just 10 km/h can already result in a 30-euro fine, and greater violations can quickly lead to points on your record or even a driving ban.
By consistently driving at walking speed, you not only avoid fines but also help protect the lives of the people around you.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information by conducting in-depth research and consulting multiple sources when writing articles. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may remain unconfirmed. For that reason, the information in our articles should be regarded as an initial point of reference, and you should always consult the competent authorities or professional bodies for definitive and legally binding information.
