In total, the German Highway Code is made up of 53 sections, which often contain up to eight paragraphs. Hardly any driver knows all the rules in detail - which is why violations occur so frequently.
Running traffic lights on yellow
All drivers should be familiar with the three phases of traffic lights. The decision to brake or accelerate is often made spontaneously when the traffic light suddenly turns yellow. Strictly speaking, however, it is not permitted to accelerate at a yellow light.
According to Section 49, the yellow light signal means that you must stop. If this is violated, a fine of 15 euros must be expected. However, a sudden stop in front of the yellow light is only permitted if it does not cause any danger. For example, the vehicle must stop before the stop line. It is also forbidden to drive up to the junction.
Driving in the middle lane
A major annoyance for many drivers on the highway is other road users who drive exclusively in the middle lane. However, many do not know this: Under certain conditions, this is actually illegal. The right-hand driving rule also applies on three-lane highways. This means that the right-hand lane must always be used if the traffic situation permits.
However, this does not mean that every small gap in the right-hand lane must be exploited. A change is only necessary if there is a gap of at least 20 seconds to the next overtaking maneuver. Of course, in practice, no driver can calculate this quickly. As a rule, it must therefore be a very clear violation in order to be able to prove the offense. If this is possible, a fine of 30 to 80 euros may be imposed.
However, there is even more ignorance on the highway: most drivers also do not know what the hard shoulder may be used for.
Turning right of way: indicators?
According to a study conducted in 2018, only just under 20 percent of drivers display the correct indicator behavior. The associated regulation is basically very simple: when following a turning right of way, a turning maneuver takes place. For this reason, the blinker must be set accordingly.
However, if you leave the priority road in a straight direction, you do not need to activate the blinker. As a general rule, any change in the direction of travel must be indicated. Failure to do so can result in fines of ten to 30 euros.
It gets even more expensive in the event of an accident, as the main blame lies with the road user who did not use the required blinker.
The crosswalk does not give cyclists right of way
According to the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), drivers must only give way to wheelchairs, wheelchairs and pedestrians. Cyclists may generally only use the crosswalk if it does not obstruct a vehicle.
However, if pedestrians are prevented from crossing the crosswalk by a motorist, a fine of 80 euros will be imposed. However, if a cyclist causes motorists to slow down sharply or stop in front of the crosswalk, they could be fined.
