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

German police do not have the authority to require U.S. Forces drivers to pay a warning fee for minor traffic violations. This is due to the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the United States and Germany, which establishes the legal framework governing the presence of U.S. military personnel and their dependents in Germany. Under this agreement, U.S. military personnel are subject to U.S. military law when it comes to minor offenses, and it is the responsibility of the U.S. Armed Forces to handle disciplinary actions, including any fines or penalties.

The intention behind this arrangement is to maintain a clear delineation between the German legal system and the military justice system applicable to U.S. personnel. Therefore, while German police may still report traffic violations and are responsible for public safety, they do not impose fines directly on U.S. Forces members for minor infractions. This ensures that there is a consistent and fair approach to how U.S. personnel are managed legally while stationed abroad.