The new amendment to the road traffic regulations came into force on April 20, 2020. And with it the new rules and fines. It's finally getting safer for pedestrians and cyclists. At the same time, traffic offenders are punished more severely.

Of course, a huge discussion sparked immediately about the proportionality of the penalties. And also about its legality, since a quote is missing in the new novella. A new valid version is currently being worked on.

Even if there is currently chaos in terms of fines and the states handle this differently, the new rules of the STVO do apply. And there is a lot to know about cycling in particular. The following list gives an overview, but is no binding legal advice!

New rules on the road!

Small children are allowed to use the bike path! Accompanying persons are also allowed to drive on the sidewalk!

Children of all ages are allowed to use the cycle path as long as it is structurally separated from the road. However, children up to the age of 10 can also use the sidewalk with caution. If your child is under 8 years, you can also ride your bike on the sidewalk as an accompanying person. (see STVO §2 paragraph 5)

Driving side by side is allowed!

That has now been formulated very clearly. Wherever cycling is allowed on the road, you can also drive next to each other if you do not obstruct the traffic, i.e. as long as the cars can overtake you. (see STVO §2 paragraph 4)

1.50m distance please!

This has already been the case in jurisprudence, now it is in the law. Cars must keep a distance of 1.5 meters from the bike when overtaking, and even 2 meters outside of urban areas (see p. STVO §5 paragraph 4).

You have to ride on the right side, but you also have to keep distance to the footpath at least 80cm (s. BGH judgment), even more for scaffolding and tracks. Keep a distance of at least one meter from parked cars, otherwise you will be made responsible for a collision too. By the way, distances always refer to the outside of the handlebar.

No parking on bicycle protection lanes

The bicycle protection lane is marked by a dashed line. Cars are not allowed to use it permanently and from now on there is also stopping forbidden (see p. STVO Annex 3 Section 8). 

8m parking is prohibited at intersections with a cycle path

If there is a cycle path, you are not allowed to park fully 8 meters before the intersection for a better view (see p. STVO §12 paragraph 3). 

Turning at walking pace

Trucks with more than 3.5 tons are only allowed to turn at walking pace (s. STVO §9 paragraph 6).

There are also new traffic signs

The green arrow for turning despite the red traffic light now also applies to cyclists. In addition, there is now a new green arrow exclusively for cyclists (see p. STVO §37 paragraph 2). Before turning, however, you have to stop briefly at red and you must not endanger anyone.

As in bicycle streets, the new bicycle zone for cars is also prohibited, unless there are additional signs. Cyclists must not be hindered here and a maximum speed of 30 km / h applies for everyone (see p. STVO Annex 2 Section 5).

Cycle superhighways provide fast, direct and comfortable connections. At intersections you usually have right of way or there are tunnels or bridges. They are well developed, illuminated, possibly multi-lane and have only a slight gradient. (see STVO Annex 3 Section 9)

Shark teeth symbolize a waiting period. Roads that cross cycle highways could be marked in this way to emphasize that cars have to wait. (see STVO Annex 3 Section 8)

There is a ban on overtaking single-lane and multi-lane vehicles, including bicycles, for multi-lane vehicles. This is used, for example, in narrow streets or construction sites. (see STVO Annex 2 Section 7)

This sign creates confusion. This is because E-Bikes are meant, which can drive without pedaling with motor assistance (up to 25km/h). E-bikes with motor support only when pedaling accelerated up to 25 km/h are not called E-Bikes but pedelecs and are legally considered a bicycle. This means that pedelecs can drive anywhere where bicycles are allowed to drive. This does not apply to E-Bikes, you need this additional sign or a “Mofa frei” to be able to use the cycle path. However, this does not apply to S-Pedelecs, on which the motor accelerates up to 45 km/h, these must always be on the road. (see STVO §39 paragraph 7)

This sign relates to cargo bikes. It can be used to mark loading areas for cargo bikes (see p. STVO §37 paragraph 7)

The good old signs are not new, but are listed for the sake of completeness. Because as an additional sign, they limit a traffic sign to cyclists or indicate crossing or oncoming bicycle traffic. Often in connection with one-way streets, stop signs or side street signs. (see STVO Annex 2 Sections 1 and 2)

When are bicycles allowed to ride on the road?

The answer to the crucial question: It depends entirely on the signs whether you are allowed to use the street or even have to. In principle, bicycles are allowed to use the road.

The street is allowed here!

When there is no signage

If there is no signage you may ride on the road even if there is a bike path. If there is no bike path, you even have to drive on the street, because the pedestrian path is taboo. (see STVO §2 paragraph 4)

Here you have to use the road definitely. Driving on the pedestrian path is prohibited and becomes really expensive. (s. STVO Annex 2 Section 5))

However, cycling is permitted with this additional sign. In combination with the pedestrian sign you may choose: street or pedestrian path. However, pedestrians have priority on the pedestrian walkway. (see STVO Annex 2 Sections 5 and 6)

The obligation to use the cycle path is lifted. From here you may use the road. Many motorists confuse this with “no cycling” and show little tolerance. (see STVO §2 paragraph 4)

The street is taboo here!

From here on it's over with fun, you are not allowed to use the street here. The road here is reserved for cars alone. (see STVO Annex 2 Section 6 and STVO §18 paragraph 1)

Here you are obliged to use the bike path or footpath. If you have to use the footpath together with pedestrians and there is no demarcation (last sign), they must not hinder you, but always have priority. You may then have to adapt your speed to the pedestrian traffic. (see STVO §2 paragraph 4)

There are also exceptions to the obligation to use it. To turn left, you can get into the left-turn lane (in good time). The obligation to use also does not apply if the cycle path is not lane-side or not passable. (see http://bernd.sluka.de/Radfahren/rechtlich.html)

No matter where the sign appears, you have to get off and push if you want to continue on the way. If it relates to the sidewalk, you can continue on the street. The extent to which it is legally binding can be argued, s. http://bernd.sluka.de/Radfahren/absteigen.html