Twitter
Facebook
Ramstein officials recently started to implement changes to the process on how driving privilege suspensions are issued to individuals.The change was made in an effort to enhance the program’s effectiveness by making it timelier.
“Really nothing has changed other than we’ve cut down the delays,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jody Butler, 86th Security Forces Squadron security forces manager. “Previously the citation would go through our reports and analysis section, then the unit commander, then to the group and so forth. So by the time the member would actually receive the suspension, it could be three or four months later. It was a multi-step process. Getting a suspension for an offense you’ve committed three or four months ago sort of defeats the purpose.”
Instead, the suspension is now issued along with the traffic ticket.
“With the new process, as soon as you receive the citation you are given a letter signed by the wing commander, which says that your suspension will begin in seven days unless you successfully appeal the ticket.”
The chief added that these suspensions affect everyone; military members, dependents and civilian employees.
They also affect local nationals. While they will not have their German license revoked, they will lose their privilege to drive on U.S. installations for the time of the suspension.
Driving violations, which result in the suspension of driving privileges:
» Twelve points within one year: 180-day suspension (on and off base)
» Eighteen points within two years: 180-day suspension (on and off base)
» Three Non-moving violations (parking): Maximum: 90-day suspension (first offense)
» Owning or operating an unregistered vehicle: First offense: 45-day suspension; 2nd offense: 90-day suspension
Seven-day driving suspensions:
» Seat belt violations, also includes vehicle passengers not wearing seat belt
» Driving 20 KPH over posted speed limit (first offense)
» Driving 10-19 KPH over posted speed limit (second offense)
» Cell phone/texting or utilizing an electronic device(s) while driving
» Parking in an authorized handicapped parking slot
There are a variety of infractions off-base that could lead to suspensions, the most common ones are:
Speeding within city limits:
» Between 31 and 40 kph — €160, three points, 30-day suspension
» Between 41 and 50 kph — €200, four points, 30-day suspension
» Between 51 and 60 kph — €280, four points, 60-day suspension
» Between 61 and 70 kph — €480, four points, 90-day suspension
Speeding outside city limits (autobahns usually):
» Between 41 and 50 kph — €160, three points, 30-day suspension
» Between 51 and 60 kph — €240, four points, 30-day suspension
» Between 61 and 70 kph — €440, four points, 60-day suspension
Passing with endangerment or property damage:
» €125, four points, 30-day suspension possible, must pay damage costs
Running a red light:
» If red light is red longer than one second, €200, four points, one-month suspension
» With endangerment or damage, €200, four points, one-month suspension
Tailgating:
» Up to €250 and three-month suspension
