Whether wrong parking, rescue alley or cyclists: new traffic regulations should now bring more security. At the same time, some fines are increased.
- Stricter penalties for ruthless drivers, more protection for bicycles and pedestrians.
- In order to prevent dangerous situations, especially in the cities in Germany, there are numerous new rules.
- The Federal Council approved a reform of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) by Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) on Friday with several changes.
Fines reform 2020: These new traffic regulations should come
However, as expected, a move from the circle of the federal states to decide on a speed limit on motorways of 130 kilometers an hour failed in the Federal Council.
With regard to the new StVO regulations, Scheuer spoke of a "real strengthening of bicycle traffic". Cyclists, in particular, have had a worsening accident record in recent years. There are always fatal accidents in which truck drivers have overlooked cyclists when turning. Experts complain that the development of the cycle paths is progressing too slowly. There are also problems with pedelecs, i.e. bikes with electrical support.
The ministry wants to put the new rules into effect "as soon as possible", an exact date is not yet available. Motorists and other road users have to adjust to this:
Penalties for incorrect parking
The fines for parking in the "second row" on footpaths and bike paths increase - from at least 15 euros to up to 100 euros . This also applies to stopping on protective strips for cyclists, i.e. on bike paths that are painted on the road with a dashed white line. So far, cars are allowed to stop there for three minutes, in future it will be taboo. In severe cases there can also be a point in the register in Flensburg. Incorrect parking * in confusing places may in future cost 35 euros instead of 15 euros, unauthorized parking in places with severe disabilities in future instead of 35 euros 55 euros .
Form the emergency lane - and leave it free
Drivers must make room for emergency services and form a rescue alley in a traffic jam *. So far, it will be punished if you don't. In the future, it should have the same consequences if you drive through a rescue alley without permission : Then you face fines between 200 euros and 320 euros, a month's driving ban and two points in Flensburg .
Protection for cyclists
So far, motorists have had to keep "sufficient" distance when overtaking cyclists. In the future, at least 1.50 meters will be mandatory in town and 2 meters out of town . Trucks over 3.5 tonnes are only allowed to go at walking pace when turning right in town if cycling or walking is to be expected - i.e. a maximum of 11 kilometers per hour. In dangerous places, a new sign can prohibit cars and trucks from overtaking single-track vehicles. Before intersections and junctions with bike paths, parking is prohibited up to eight meters to improve visibility.
Green arrow and other rights for cyclists
A green arrow allows you to turn right when a traffic light glows red - but only if you stop and don't endanger anyone. In future there will be such a green arrow especially for cyclists . In addition to bicycle roads, there can also be entire bicycle zones. A maximum of 30 km / h is allowed there, and bicycle traffic must not be endangered or hindered.
Lawn and noise
In the future, shavers will be banned from driving in urban areas one month earlier - namely if they are 21 kilometers per hour faster than permitted. Unnecessary noise and exhaust emissions, so-called " auto-posing ", will also become more expensive - in the future, instead of 20 euros, up to 100 euros could be due.
Also interesting : Fines reform: drivers are increasingly asked to pay - there is a more effective method.
Other controversial issues with traffic regulations remain
- Speed limit : The endless debate should continue, even if the next attempt has now failed in the Federal Council. A proposal from the Environment Committee was not approved. Scheuer said that the topic could now be "discussed to the point of exhaustion" every two weeks. But there is a proven system with speed restrictions on around a third of the network and the recommended target speed of 130 km / h. One question now is whether and how the SPD is actually still putting pressure - it has named a speed limit as an additional project that it wants to tackle in the coalition with the Union.
- Resident parking / Tempo 30 : The Federal Council made proposals to extend the fee framework for resident parking permits in cities - from previously 10.20 euros to 30.70 euros to 10 to 240 euros a year . Among other things, an "Alliance for Modern Mobility", which Scheuer has started with the states and municipalities, is now to provide advice. This also applies to the plan to make Tempo 30 zones easier to set up - not only in front of schools, but also on the way to school.
- Electric scooters : There was also a suggestion on the table that rental companies for e-scooters should need permission so that the speedsters are allowed to stand on sidewalks . Because the chaos on the sidewalks annoys many. However, there was no majority for this.
- Bus lanes : There was criticism of Scheuer's original plan that bus lanes could also be released for cars with more than three occupants . Cities should be able to allow this to encourage carpooling. The Federal Council removed this point from the regulation.
Read also : Couple is stopped by the police - then it distributes it correctly.
dpa
Warning lights in the car and what they mean
To the photo gallery
* tz.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.