Base officials modify driving privilege suspension process Published Feb. 2, 2011 By By Tech. Sgt. Markus M. Maier 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Ramstein officials recently started to implement changes to the process on how driving privilege suspensions are issued to individuals. The change was made in an effort to enhance the program's effectiveness by making it timelier. "Really nothing has changed other than we've cut down the delays," said Chief Master Sgt. Jody Butler, 86th Security Forces Squadron security forces manager. "Previously the citation would go through our reports and analysis section, then the unit commander, then to the group and so forth. So by the time the member would actually receive the suspension, it could be three or four months later. It was a multi-step process. Getting a suspension for an offense you've committed three or four months ago sort of defeats the purpose." Instead, the suspension is now issued along with the traffic ticket. "With the new process, as soon as you receive the citation you are given a letter signed by the wing commander, which says that your suspension will begin in seven days unless you successfully appeal the ticket." The chief added that these suspensions affect everyone; military members, dependents and civilian employees. They also affect local nationals. While they will not have their German license revoked, they will lose their privilege to drive on U.S. installations for the time of the suspension. Driving violations, which result in the suspension of driving privileges - 12 points within one year: 180-day suspension (on and off base) - 18 points within two years: 180-day suspension (on and off base) - 3 Non-moving violations (parking): Maximum: 90-day suspension (first offense) - Owning or operating an unregistered vehicle: First offense: 45-day suspension; 2nd offense: 90-day suspension Seven-day driving suspensions: - Seatbelt violations, also includes vehicle passengers not wearing seatbelt - Driving 20 KPH over posted speed limit (1st offense) - Driving 10-19 KPH over posted speed limit (2nd offense) - Cell phone/texting or utilizing an electronic device(s) while driving - Parking in an authorized handicapped parking slot There are a variety of infractions off-base that could lead to suspensions, the most common ones are: Speeding within city limits: - 31-40 KPH - 160 Euro, 3 points, 30-day suspension - 41-50 KPH - 200 Euro, 4 points, 30-day suspension - 51-60 KPH - 280 Euro, four points, 60-day suspension - 61-70 KPH - 480 Euro, four points, 90-day suspension Speeding outside city limits (autobahns usually): - 41-50 KPH - 160 Euro, three points, 30-day suspension - 51-60 KPH - 240 Euro, four points, 30-day suspension - 61-70 KPH - 440 Euro, four points, 60-day suspension Passing with endangerment or property damage: - 125 Euro - four points, 30 days suspension possible, must pay damage costs Running a red light: - If red light is red longer than one second 200 Euro, 4 points, one-month suspension - With endangerment or damage, 200 Euro, four points, one-month suspension Tailgating: - Up to 250 Euro and three-month suspension