Traffic jams on the Autobahn: If you get off or turn around, you have to expect penalties

Created: 08/18/2022, 11:31 am

By: Jason Blaschke

If you are stuck in traffic on the motorway, you should pay attention to a few things, because: Even small offenses such as a pee break can result in hefty penalties.

Stuttgart – If you go on vacation in 2022, you have to pay attention to a few things.

A few days ago it became known that a biting fish was attacking bathers in southern France. More than 40 bites have been known since August 8th.

And the news that mobile phone providers are paying money for dead spots on vacation also makes many consumers sit up and take notice.

But there are a few things to consider when you arrive, reports the General German Automobile Club, or

for short .

summarizes what motorists need to know

.

Simply getting off in the middle of the motorway is forbidden - there are exceptions

Specifically, it is about the question of what is allowed if you are stuck in traffic on the freeway for a long time.

Because contrary to what many people think, even small actions such as taking a pee break on the shoulder or using a smartphone are punishable and can be punished with fines or even imprisonment.

As far as the pee break is concerned: It is generally forbidden to leave your own vehicle on the motorway - regardless of whether there is a traffic jam or not.

The exceptions are manageable - if you have an accident, for example, you even have to secure the scene of the accident and get out of the car for this.

However, if you can't prove a valid reason, you have to pay a warning fee of ten euros in hardship, reports

.

However, the police are usually lenient in the event of longer disruptions, such as a complete closure, according to the

.

However, anyone who then gets out should stay near the vehicle and not obstruct rescue workers.

Imprisonment for wrong-way drivers on the Autobahn: up to five years in prison

It gets significantly more expensive when you try to turn around on the freeway to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

Because turning or even reversing is prohibited according to the Road Traffic Act (StVO).

Anyone who does so must expect a fine of 200 euros, two points in Flensburg and a month's driving ban.

This fine increases to 240 euros if you endanger other road users.

Anyone who makes a U-turn, drives backwards or drives in the opposite direction to the direction of travel and thereby endangers themselves and others is also committing a wrong-way driver in Germany, which is punishable by a fine or up to five years in prison.

The

reports that according to StGB paragraph 315c paragraph 1, 2.f even the attempt is punishable.

In addition to the fine or imprisonment, three points in Flensburg and the withdrawal of a driver's license are also possible.

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If you don't form a rescue lane, you pay up to 320 euros - and risk points

Leaving the Autobahn via a ramp is also prohibited and, in addition to a fine, can result in three points in Flensburg, which means the withdrawal of a driver's license.

According to

, the fine is up to 200 euros - and a month's driving ban is also possible.

The only exception: the police explicitly asks drivers to leave the motorway – this is the case, for example, when traffic is completely blocked and the traffic has to be diverted.

It is always important to form a rescue lane in traffic jams - even when traffic is coming to a standstill.

Anyone who does not participate here risks a fine of 200 euros.

If rescue workers are disabled, even 240 euros are due - there is also a month's driving ban.

The

reports that in extreme cases, a fine of up to 320 euros may be due.

The following video shows how to form a rescue lane on the motorway:

Huge fines for using mobile phones and hard shoulders on motorways

Even if it's tempting – typing or making calls on your cell phone without a hands-free system is also forbidden in traffic jams.

Only those who have switched off their engine in a traffic jam can use their smartphone.

If the engine is still running, there is a risk of a fine of 100 to 200 euros, two points in Flensburg and a month's driving ban.

It should also be noted that the hard shoulder on the motorway is always reserved for breakdown vehicles.

Anyone who misuses the hard shoulder on the Autobahn as a lane until the next exit risks a fine of 75 euros and a point in Flensburg.

The exception here is the order from the police, for example if the accident site is to be bypassed.

By the way, anyone who thinks that the most expensive fines are imposed in road traffic is wrong.

In Germany, just killing a bee can cost 50,000 euros, and those who kill wasps risk a fine of up to 65,000 euros.