USAREUR Practice Exam

Do German police have the authority to require U.S. Forces drivers to pay warning fees for minor traffic violations?

1. Yes, they can require payment

2. No, they do not have that authority

3. Only if the violation is severe

4. Only for non-resident drivers

The correct answer is: No, they do not have that authority

The correct choice indicates that German police do not have the authority to require U.S. Forces drivers to pay warning fees for minor traffic violations. This is rooted in the framework of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the United States and Germany, which governs the legal status and rights of U.S. military personnel in Germany. According to SOFA, members of the U.S. Forces typically remain under U.S. jurisdiction for disciplinary issues, including minor traffic infractions. This arrangement establishes that while U.S. personnel are expected to abide by German traffic laws, any administrative or punitive measures for traffic violations are handled according to U.S. military law rather than German law. Consequently, German police can issue citations for traffic violations, but the enforcement of financial penalties, such as warning fees, would fall outside their authority regarding U.S. Forces drivers. Understanding the SOFA framework is essential for recognizing the legal protections and responsibilities that apply to military personnel and their interactions with local law enforcement in Germany.