[Mark83]

I used to be stopped by the local police fairly regularly but they soon learnt me and my car. I found them friendly and professional to deal with however the same can't be said for the ones draughted in for this crackdown. From what I understand they were preying on people who didn't speak German and unaware of the law. They were bullying people into paying on the spot and admitting guilt.

A lawyer who specialises in motoring law offered the following advice after speaking to a German colleauge:

The police have powers to search you and your car for money to pay the fine but do not have the powers to take you to a cash machine like in France/Belgium.

DO NOT admit anything or sign anything you don't understand.