car drivers do not always form an escape lane. © dpa
Drivers are facing higher fines – and not only that: they must expect to receive a point for exceeding the speed limit by 16 km/h.
Now that the Bundesrat has approved the government’s road traffic amendment, motorists are facing some unpleasant changes. As soon as the changes have been published in the Federal Law Gazette, traffic violations will become significantly more expensive for you in some cases. Here is an overview of the most important changes.
Emergency lane
Drivers who do not form an emergency lane have been facing a fine of 200 euros and two points in flensburg since the end of 2017. Now this penalty is being made more severe by the fact that a one-month driving ban can now be imposed even without the realization of a concrete danger or obstruction.
Until now, this was only possible if there was obstruction or endangerment of third parties or damage to property. The fines for these offenses will remain unchanged at 240, 280 and 320 euros – plus two points in flensburg and a one-month driving ban. Drivers who illegally use the emergency lane pay a minimum fine of 240 euros. You will also receive two points and a one-month driving ban.
Speed limit violations
It’s getting uncomfortable for drivers who don’t follow speed limits. Anyone speeding at 16 km/h in or outside built-up areas now has to reckon with a penalty point. There is a fine of 70 euros (in built-up areas) and 60 euros for violations outside built-up areas.
In addition, exceeding the speed limit by 21 km/h in built-up areas has more far-reaching consequences than before. In addition to a fine of 80 euros and two points in flensburg, speeding offenders can now expect a one-month driving ban. Out of town, these penalties (95 euros, driving ban for one month) take effect from a limit violation of 26 km/h.
The previous rule that speeding offenders who exceed the speed limit by at least 26 km/h twice within a 12-month period can be banned from driving will also become obsolete.
Car posing
the police took this BMW X5 out of circulation in dusseldorf. Photo: dpa
Drivers who show off their vehicles "loudly" to the public will have to pay more. Causing unnecessary noise and exhaust gas as well as the useless driving back and forth can cost up to 100 euros.
Speed camera apps
Using speed camera apps on your smartphone or navigation system to warn you of speed traps is not a good idea. This will now be expressly prohibited. The fine for using such an app while driving is 75 euros, plus one point in the driving suitability register.
Parking
parking space is too cheap, according to a study by agora verkehrswende. Photo: dpa
Unlawful stopping and parking will become more expensive. fines of up to 100 euros and even a penalty point are possible. example parking or stopping in second row to do something quickly: so far it costs 15 euro for stopping, who parks and obstructs someone pays 25 euro. Now at least 55 euros are called. If there is an obstruction, the fine increases to 70 euros, in the case of endangerment to 80 euros and in the case of damage to property to 100 euros – one point in flensburg is added on top of the fine for obstruction in each case. This fine regulation also applies to drivers who park their vehicles on sidewalks, bike paths or emergency lanes.
anyone who parks their car in a blind spot will pay 35 euros in future instead of 15. The cost of parking in a fire department driveway will rise from 35 to 55 euros. If emergency or rescue vehicles are obstructed, the fine increases to 100 euros, plus one point. 55 euros will also be charged for unauthorized parking of vehicles in a parking space for severely disabled persons as well as in parking spaces designated for e-vehicles and car-sharing vehicles.
Important to know: in the future, it will no longer be sufficient to leave a space of five meters in front of an intersection if there is a bike lane that is structurally separated from the roadway. Now the distance to the next intersection or junction must be eight meters. This is intended to increase the safety of cyclists.
Bicyclists
cyclists are particularly at risk in traffic. Photo: dpa
Bicycle users are to be given special protection through various provisions in the amendment to the Stvo. In addition to the stricter tariffs for parking cars on protective lanes or cycle paths, vans or trucks over 3.5 tons, for example, are not allowed to drive faster than walking speed when turning right in built-up areas. Violations mean a 70 euro fine and one point. Of course, this regulation also serves to ensure pedestrian safety.
The amendment also clarifies that bicyclists are allowed to ride two abreast. the new legal text in the stvo, paragraph 2, subparagraph 4 will probably read as follows: "bicycles may be ridden side by side if this does not obstruct traffic; otherwise they must be ridden one behind the other"." up to now it was still said: "bicycles must be ridden one behind the other; side by side is only allowed if this does not obstruct the traffic."now, the focus is on allowing drivers to drive side by side as long as there is no obstruction.
Larger minimum distance
The amendment to the Road Traffic Act also specifies the minimum distance that drivers must keep from other road users when overtaking. A minimum distance of 1.50 meters in built-up areas and at least 2 meters outside built-up areas, for example between a bicycle and a car.
Previously it was only said that the distance had to be sufficient. What’s more, the green arrow rule now also applies to cyclists when they want to turn right from a bike lane or bike path. in addition, a separate green arrow sign for cyclists is planned. A sign indicating that two-wheelers are prohibited from overtaking is also being planned. Parking spaces and loading zones are to be designated for bikes with loads by means of a special sign. (SP-X)