- Eight months in prison, suspended on probation, plus 1,500 euros as a probation condition
- Two-year ban on obtaining a licence, and the motorcycle was confiscated
- Convicted of taking part in an illegal motor vehicle race, in conjunction with riding without a licence and without insurance cover
The ride through Rheine dates back almost six months. On the evening of 10 April 2026, police wanted to stop a motorcyclist who had ridden far too fast along the inner-city ring road. Instead of pulling over, the man opened the throttle. Rheine District Court has now ruled on the case. The verdict hits the young rider on several fronts: a suspended sentence, a financial penalty, a ban on obtaining a licence and the loss of his motorcycle.
What happened in Rheine in April?
On 10 April 2026, the 21-year-old was caught by a speed check on Kardinal-Galen-Ring and fled from the police. According to Steinfurt police, officers had clocked him at 93 km/h near the Ludgeri bridge.
Instead of stopping, the man rode off, and the police gave chase. In a later statement, the police said their measuring device had at times shown as much as 120 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The motorcyclist also ran a red light and, according to the police, nearly collided with a car. During the search, officers eventually found him in a car park on Hopstener Damm, or Russenweg.
What did the police check reveal?
The check revealed that the man from Münster did not hold a valid licence. The motorcycle was not registered either and, according to the police, did not meet the technical requirements. The police did not disclose which model it was or exactly what was non-compliant on the machine.
Officers seized the motorcycle and opened criminal proceedings covering several offences. According to the police account, the young man showed no sense of wrongdoing even during the check.
What sentence did Rheine District Court impose?
Rheine District Court sentenced the 21-year-old to eight months in prison, suspended on probation. For now, he therefore does not have to serve the sentence.
The probation conditions include a payment of 1,500 euros. The judge additionally imposed a two-year ban on obtaining a driving licence. The motorcycle the man had ridden through Rheine was confiscated.
He was convicted of taking part in an illegal motor vehicle race, in conjunction with riding without a licence and without insurance cover. According to the police, the defendant showed no remorse in court either. Whether the verdict is already final has not been made public so far.
How do the police assess the verdict?
Steinfurt police see the verdict as a clear signal to speeders. In their view, the judge is showing that they must expect severe penalties. The authority also stresses that the thorough groundwork done by the officers was an important basis for the decision of the court.
What are the rules on illegal motor vehicle racing?
Since 13 October 2017, an illegal motor vehicle race has been a criminal offence in Germany under Section 315d of the Criminal Code. Before that, taking part in an illegal race was merely a regulatory offence. It was punished with a 400-euro fine, two points on the Flensburg register and a one-month driving ban. The case from Rheine is an example of how the tightened traffic criminal law is applied to motorcyclists.
It is not only the classic race against another rider or from traffic light to traffic light that is punishable. The law also covers riders who are out on their own and travel at inappropriate speed, in grossly negligent and reckless fashion, in order to reach the highest possible speed. A second participant is not required for this, which is also referred to as a race against oneself or against the clock. Which variant the court in Rheine based its ruling on is not apparent from the information published so far.
The sentencing range runs from a fine up to two years in prison. If other road users are endangered, up to five years are possible, and if someone is injured, up to ten years. On top of that come three points on the Flensburg register, and as a rule the driving licence is withdrawn. The vehicle can be seized as an instrument of the offence.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What sentence did Rheine District Court impose on the motorcyclist?
Rheine District Court sentenced the 21-year-old to eight months in prison, suspended on probation. On top of that come 1,500 euros as a probation condition and a two-year ban on obtaining a licence. His motorcycle was confiscated.
-
How fast was the motorcyclist riding in Rheine?
The police first clocked him at 93 km/h on Kardinal-Galen-Ring. They later stated that their measuring device had at times shown 120 km/h in a 50 km/h zone.
-
Can you commit an illegal race while riding alone?
Yes, Section 315d of the German Criminal Code also covers riders without an opponent. Anyone who rides at inappropriate speed, in grossly negligent and reckless fashion in order to reach the highest possible speed, is committing an offence.
-
Since when has illegal motor vehicle racing been a criminal offence?
Since 13 October 2017. Before that, taking part was a regulatory offence punished with a 400-euro fine, two points on the Flensburg register and a one-month driving ban.
➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: Motorcycle Law & Policy: Legislation, Court Rulings and Developments for Riders. Find all key information on this topic in one place.
