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If you drive an SUV through a red traffic light, you may have to expect a higher fine than other drivers.
There is an increased operational risk here, the district court in Frankfurt am Main explained.
The "box-like design and increased front end due to the greater ground clearance" led to a higher risk of injuring other road users.
In this specific case, it was about the driver of a BMW who had driven into an intersection in Frankfurt when the light was red.
The standard rate for the fine is 200 euros, the court explained.
However, it increased it to 350 euros because the driver already had several entries in Flensburg and because the violation with the SUV was “more serious than normal” – mainly because the regulations were intended to protect other road users who crossed the intersection.
It also imposed a one-month driving ban on the driver.
bam/AFP
