That can be expensive: traffic light parties set fines for 3G refusers on buses and trains

From Wednesday, the 3G rule in public transport will apply in Germany.

It could be expensive for passengers caught on buses and trains without proof.

Berlin - In order to be able to weaken the infection process in the ongoing fourth wave in Germany as effectively as possible, the traffic light parties are also striving for more intensive monitoring of local public transport and long-distance traffic in a new version of the Infection Protection Act.

As of Wednesday, transport by bus and train will only be possible for passengers who have a daily test certificate or who have been vaccinated or have recovered.

Coronacvirus: 3G rule in buses and trains - traffic light parties set fines

With the measures, the traffic light parties want to reduce infection with the coronavirus in public transport and thus ensure more safety.

There was criticism of the future government's plans after they were announced.

The main point of criticism of the measures is the question of how the regulations are to be enforced and monitored in practice.

This is because the controls are to be largely passed on to ticket inspectors and drivers who, in addition to their actual tasks, are to carry out random 3G checks.

If a passenger is unable to show a 3G proof during the controls, he or she must get off at the next stop.

But it can also be really expensive to use buses and trains "unprotected".

A fine of up to 2,500 euros for the corresponding passenger and up to 25,000 euros for the transport company can be due in the event of a violation of the regulation.

This is reported by

with reference to the new version of the Infection Protection Act written by the traffic light parties,

3G rule in buses and trains: Scheuer criticizes traffic light parties for the amount of the fines

The Managing Minister of Transport Andreas Scheuer (CSU) confirmed that a corresponding passage is included in the new version and at the same time criticized the traffic light parties for the harshness of the measures.

“Everyone knows: I am against the 3G regulation in public transport.

Just ask the traffic light men Scholz, Lindner and Habeck.

They surely know how to punish passengers with up to 2500 euros, ”said the 47-year-old.

The individual federal states can, however, weaken the fines.

In order to enforce the 3G rule in buses and trains, the state governments must each issue their own catalog of fines and at the same time adapt the fines stipulated in the Infection Protection Act.

3G compulsory in buses and trains: Another incentive for unvaccinated citizens

The introduction of a 3G restriction for public transport is a new means in German corona policy and, in addition to increased protection against infection in buses and trains, is also intended to create a further vaccination incentive for citizens who have previously waived a vaccination.

A significantly higher vaccination rate within society is still viewed across all parties as the only way out of the corona pandemic.

List of rubric lists: © Monika Skolimowska / dpa