SUV driver charged nearly double for traffic offence than equivalent car

The driver of an SUV in Germany must pay nearly double the fine of an equivalent car for running a red light due to the vehicle he was driving, a court has ruled.

As reported by the Associated Press, the driver of a SUV (reported elsewhere to be a BMW) was fined €350 ($AU530) for running a red light – reportedly almost double the regular fine of €200 ($AU290).

The Frankfurt-based court argued the SUV's shape and taller "box-like" bonnet meant "the driving infraction posed a greater risk to pedestrians than if the defendant had driven a smaller car," the news service reports, with a one-month driving ban also handed out.

While the motorist's "previous driving convictions" were also considered, the Associated Press implies the size of the vehicle was the primary factor behind the higher fine.

The fines associated with running red lights in Australia varies; in NSW it's up to $464 and three demerit points, while in Victoria it's listed as $462 and three points.