Numerous traffic errors are common among motorists. But why are they wrong and which rules really apply?
Nothing works on the road without rules. The Road Traffic Act (StVO) regulates what is permitted or prohibited. But despite the driving school and the license test, there are numerous traffic myths about rules that don’t really exist.
Traffic errors: ten rules that don’t even exist
Mistakes made by drivers range from prohibiting overtaking on buses with hazard lights to the minimum speed limit on the motorway. Furthermore, it is not entirely clear to everyone what cyclists can and cannot do. That’s why we troubleshoot ten traffic errors and explain what’s right.
Many drivers mistakenly assume that right before left always applies in parking lots. Although the StVO applies there, that doesn’t mean that right always comes before left. “It applies when the lanes are clearly recognizable and marked as roads. But not if the car park is a large area with parking lots and the lanes are only for finding a parking space and for maneuvering, “explains the ADAC on its website. Drivers must be respectful of each other and, when in doubt, agree on a show of hands who drives first If it breaks down anyway, the responsibility is generally shared.
Traffic errors: There is a minimum speed limit on the motorway
Another traffic error is that there is a minimum speed on German motorways. However, this is wrong. However, it is correct that only vehicles that can drive at speeds above 60km / h due to their design can drive on the highway. It is therefore forbidden to take an e-scooter ride. The speed at which you drive ultimately depends on each driver himself, depending on personal skills, weather and traffic. “The limit is where others are voluntarily hindered by slow driving,” ADAC points out. But you shouldn’t drive too fast either, because if there is a speed limit, there is a risk of a hefty fine.
Another highway myth says you can use your hard shoulder in a traffic jam to drive to the next exit. This is not only wrong, but expensive as well. The hard is reserved for emergency vehicles, whoever uses it in a traffic jam must expect a fine of 75 euros and a point in Flensburg. The use of the emergency lane is allowed only if expressly authorized by the police or with the signs “Use the hard shoulder”.
Traffic errors: It is not necessary to create the rescue route immediately
Traffic error number four says: The rescue lane should only be drawn when the emergency services arrive. But then it is already too late. Even in traffic jams or slow-moving traffic, the emergency lane must be created. “The cars in the left lane then drive to the far left, the vehicles in the right lane to the right. In the case of three-lane highways, the lane is formed between the left and middle lane “, explains the ADAC in the procedure. Whoever does not form a rescue lane risks a fine of 200 euros, two points in Flensburg and one month driving ban.
Another error concerns the so-called zipper method. It is often assumed that you have to enter as soon as possible, but it is exactly the opposite: the lane change takes place only immediately before the bottleneck. In this way, the area should be optimally utilized so that the arrears do not stretch.
Traffic errors: Buses with hazard lights cannot be overtaken
Incidentally, also the assumption that buses with the hazard lights on cannot be overtaken. This is only the case when approaching a stop. As soon as this is stopped, overtaking is allowed, but only at walking pace. A rule that also applies to incoming traffic.
The rear fog light shouldn’t simply be turned on when visibility is poor, as many drivers think. “It can only be activated when the visibility is less than 50 meters in the fog. Then it is also forbidden to drive at speeds above 50 km / h “, writes the ADAC on its website. However, there is no obligation to switch on the rear fog light. If you drive with the rear fog lights in good visibility conditions, you risk a fine of 20 euros.
There is also a widespread hypothesis that you can park indefinitely if the parking meter does not work. Parking is therefore free, but only with a parking disc with the arrival time and in compliance with the specified maximum parking time.
Traffic errors: Cyclists can drive incorrectly on one-way streets
However, traffic errors are not just about cars, there are also some false assumptions in relation to cyclists. It is often assumed that cyclists can drive in the opposite direction of a one-way street. However, this is only allowed if allowed by the additional sign “Free cyclists”. “When entering a one-way street, drivers can tell that a cyclist is approaching them by the blue and white ‘One-way street’ sign with the additional Rad sign plus two opposite arrows,” explains the ADAC. Sometimes there are additional road markings as well.
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In addition, it is often assumed that there is only one fine for cycling while intoxicated. But there is also the risk of losing your driving license. Why: Anyone caught with 1.6 per thousand or more commits a crime. “From this value, there are also concerns about the fitness to drive motor vehicles, regardless of whether the person concerned traveled by bicycle or by car”, underlines the ADAC. The driver then goes to the medical-psychological examination (MPU). If he doesn’t get over it, the fabric is gone.
