Hearing form after a traffic offense: fill it in or not?

After a traffic offense, a 'hearing form' (as the accused) or a 'witness questionnaire' (as the registered keeper) lands in your mailbox? You do not have to fill in everything. The key is to distinguish mandatory details from voluntary ones.

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You must provide details about your person (name, address, date of birth). On the matter itself, that is, whether and how you were driving, you as the accused do not have to say anything (right to remain silent). As a witness or keeper too, you do not have to incriminate yourself.

Caution: if you remain silent as the keeper and the driver cannot be identified, a logbook order (Fahrtenbuchauflage) may be imposed under certain circumstances. You should never provide false information.

What you should do now

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1. Recognize your role
Are you the 'accused' (the offense is attributed to you) or a 'witness/keeper' (you are asked to name the driver)? That changes your situation.
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2. Provide personal details
Enter your personal data correctly. These details are mandatory.
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3. You may stay silent on the matter
You do not have to comment on who was driving or on the offense. Better make no spontaneous statements.
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4. Keep the deadline in mind
The form is not yet a fine notice. If you do not respond, a notice usually follows, against which you can then file an objection within the deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to fill in the hearing form?

You must provide your personal details. On the matter itself, that is, whether you were driving and how the offense occurred, you as the accused do not have to say anything. As keeper or witness too, you do not have to incriminate yourself. False statements are off-limits.

What happens if I do not respond at all?

The hearing form is not yet a fine notice. If you do not respond, a fine notice is usually issued, against which you can then file an objection within two weeks. As the keeper, however, persistent silence can lead to a logbook order.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.