If traffic on the highway comes to a standstill or comes to a standstill, a rescue lane must be formed for the police and rescue forces in order to be able to act quickly in the event of an emergency. However, there are always road users who do not comply and block the emergency lane. Penalties are increased at regular intervals. We show you how the rescue lane properly formed will and with which fine they currently have to reckon with if the salvage lane is prevented.
emergency lane in germany: legal basis
Since the 1970s, the rescue lane is required by law in germany. the basis for this is section 11 (2) of the road traffic regulations. It says:
from the formulation "free lane" the meanwhile established term "rescue lane" has developed. contrary to what many people think, the emergency lane is not to be formed only when a traffic jam has developed. The above paragraph clearly states that the free lane is to be formed already at walking speed, i.e. an impending traffic jam. The emergency lane may only be used by the police, emergency services, fire department, ambulance, doctor’s or towing vehicles.
How the emergency lane must be formed?
However, the road traffic regulations not only stipulate that a clear lane must be formed, but also how.
Emergency lane with two lanes
Image: emergency lane on a two-lane road
On two-lane highways and expressways, drivers in the left and right lanes are required to pull over as far as possible. Say: all drivers on the left lane drive to the left edge of the lane and all drivers on the right lane drive to the right edge of the lane. If the lane is still not wide enough, drivers in the right-hand lane should also use the emergency lane. In principle, the emergency lane must be kept clear, but in an emergency it is permissible to use the emergency lane.
Emergency lane with three lanes
Image: emergency lane on a freeway or expressway with more than two lanes
If traffic is backed up or at a standstill on a road with three lanes, the lane for the police and emergency services must be formed between the leftmost lane and the lane immediately to the right. Here, too, road users drive as far as possible to the side of the lane or. In case of need (e.g. B. construction site) on the emergency lane. Regardless of the number of lanes, drivers should leave enough space between them and the vehicle in front.
Emergency lane with four lanes
In the case of a four-lane carriageway, one might initially assume that the emergency lane simply has to be formed in the middle. However, this no longer applies since 2017. Even on four-lane carriageways, the free lane is formed between the outer left-hand lane and the adjacent right-hand lane – in the same way as on three-lane carriageways.
reminder: right-hand-rule
If you are in a traffic jam and are unsure of where to get into an emergency lane, you can quickly use your right hand to help you visualize the situation. holding the right hand with the back of the hand upwards. The thumb now represents the outer left lane. the other fingers symbolize the other lanes. The space between your thumb and index finger represents the emergency lane. Depending on the number of lanes, you fold in or add the remaining fingers.
Fines for blocking emergency lanes
If there is an accident on the highway, seconds can make the difference between life and death. Therefore, the emergency doctor and paramedics must arrive at the scene of the accident as quickly as possible. However, since the formation of an emergency lane unfortunately too often does not work and rescue forces are hindered, the fines for preventing an emergency lane are regularly increased. There was last an increase in the course of the stvo-novelle, end of april 2020.
The fines at a glance (as of 11/2021):
Offenses
fine
No emergency lane formed
200 euro fine + 2 points + 1 month driving ban
240 euro fine + 2 points + 1 month driving ban
280 euro fine + 2 points + 1 month driving ban
320 euro fine + 2 points + 1 month driving ban
Unauthorized use of the emergency lane
240 euro fine + 2 points + 1 month driving ban
280 euro fine + 2 points + 1 month driving ban
300 euro fine + 2 points + 1 month driving ban
320 euro fine + 2 points + 1 month driving ban
Emergency lane obligation not only in germany
The formation of a lane in case of emergency is not only required by law in germany. the emergency lane is also compulsory in other european countries such as austria, switzerland, hungary and the czech republic. The fines in these countries are in some cases significantly higher than in germany. In neighboring austria, for example, the rescue lane is regulated in section 46 paragraph 6 of the local road traffic regulations and already penalizes the incorrect formation of a rescue fund with over 700 euros. If there is even an obstruction of the rescue vehicles, a penalty can be over 2.000 euros. Correct behavior in emergency situations on the road not only saves money, but can also save lives at best.
