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Germany Considers License Suspensions for Accident Gawkers

Political leaders from CDU/CSU and SPD have signaled support for escalating penalties to deter bystanders who film rescue operations, hindering firefighters.

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Zahlreiche Rettungshubschrauber- und Wagen auf der Fahrbahn einer gesperrten Autobahn.
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Overview

  • Karl-Heinz Banse, president of the German Fire Brigade Association, has urged that gawkers face driver’s license suspension similar to penalties for phone use while driving.
  • Current German law under §201a StGB allows up to two years’ imprisonment or fines for filming accident victims or the deceased, but authorities say enforcement falls short.
  • Firefighters report that bystanders distracted from rescues force them to divide attention between saving lives and pushing back gawkers.
  • Lawmakers from the governing parties have backed Banse’s proposal, suggesting that draft legislation could follow in coming weeks.
  • Some legal experts recommend phone confiscation as a targeted alternative measure to discourage those who record or obstruct emergency responses.