Photo: ŠJů, Wikimedia Commons

Major changes in German regulations: severe penalties related to emergency corridors

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As of 28 April, new traffic regulations will be in force in Germany. The reform of the StVO ( which is the German highway code) introduces, among other things, stricter penalties for blocking emergency corridors and illegal parking.

On Tuesday, an amendment to the German Road Traffic Law comes into force to increase safety and in particular to protect the most vulnerable road users.

We create greater protection for cyclists and incentives for those using car-sharing and electric vehicles. From now on, anyone who blocks an emergency corridor will be severely punished,” commented Andreas Scheuer, the German transport minister, on the new regulations.


From now on, more severe penalties apply to drivers of passenger cars exceeding the speed limit both within and outside built-up areas (see the German fines catalogue for details). The new legislation also clarifies the minimum distance that drivers must keep from pedestrians passing through the crossing point, cyclists, e-scooters and other small electric vehicles. It is at least 1.5 m in built-up areas and 2 m outside them. 

In addition, drivers who do not comply with the regulations on emergency corridors on motorways and roads outside built-up areas will also be treated more strictly.  As of 28 April, the following penalties are foreseen: 

– For failure to create an emergency corridor in Germany, a fine of €200, 2 penalty points and a driving ban for a period of 1 month is envisaged.

– Failure to create an emergency corridor, which will lead to the blocking of the emergency services vehicle, will result in a €240 fine, 2 penalty points and a driving ban for a period of 1 month in Germany.

– For failure to create an emergency corridor leading to danger to life or health, e.g. of a firefighter or an injured person, the person may get €280 fine, 2 penalty points and a driving ban for a period of 1 month.

– For failure to create an emergency corridor leading to property damage, a fine of €320, 2 penalty points and a driving ban for a period of 1 month is envisaged.

For failure to provide a clear roadway in front of a service vehicle with a blue light and sound signal, a fine of €240, 2 penalty points and a driving ban for a period of 1 month is envisaged.

– For failure to provide a clear roadway in front of a service vehicle with a blue light and sound signal, leading to a threat to life or health of e.g. a firefighter or an injured person, a fine of €280, 2 penalty points and a driving ban for a period of 1 month is envisaged.

– For failure to provide a clear roadway in front of a service vehicle with a blue light and sound signal leading to property damage, a fine of €320, 2 penalty points and a driving ban for a period of 1 month is envisaged.

For unauthorised use of an emergency corridor to get out of the traffic jam the following penalties are foreseen:

– €280 fine, 2 penalty points and a driving ban for a period of 1 month if this hinders the work of the emergency services,

– €300 fine, 2 penalty points and a driving ban for a period of 1 month if the life or health of the injured person or of service personnel has been endangered as a result of this behaviour,

– €320 fine, 2 penalty points and a driving ban for a period of 1 month if this has lead to property damage. 

Photo: ŠJů, Wikimedia Commons

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