If you overhear someone talking about getting ‘points in Flensburg’ they’re referring to the northern German city where the agency responsible for punishing driving violations is located. Get too many points for various offences and you’ll soon lose your driving licence. A simple speeding ticket will cost you three points, but you might also have your driving privileges withdrawn for a month as an added lesson if your actions are considered reckless.

Drinking and driving when your blood alcohol level is over the 0.5 per mille limit will get you a quick seven points, even if you aren’t swerving all over the road. Higher alcohol levels and repeat offences can mean possible jail time. If you hit 18 points your driving career is over for good and you’d better get used to taking the bus.