Inattentive drivers turning right at an intersection pose one of the greatest dangers to cyclists. In future, trucks with a total weight of over 3.5 tons will only be allowed to drive around corners at walking speed - this corresponds to a maximum speed of eleven kilometres per hour. Anyone driving faster will have to pay a fine of 70 euros and gain a point on their driving licence (the so-called ‘point in Flensburg’). On roads with a cycle path, the minimum distance from an intersection at which you can park has been increased. Instead of five metres, a distance of at least eight metres must now be maintained. In future there will be bicycle zones, similar to the 30 km/h zones. Here cars may not drive faster than 30 km/h and are not allowed to hinder or endanger bicycle traffic.

A new traffic sign with a green arrow and a bicycle indicates that cyclists are allowed to turn right at red lights. Previously, cars or vans were allowed to stop on the protective strip for cyclists for up to three minutes, provided the strip was separated from the car traffic by a dotted line. This is no longer the case - a general stopping ban applies. Another new traffic sign prohibits motorists from overtaking. What is new is that they also have to stay behind bicycles or motorcycles until the road is clear. Two cyclists are however allowed to ride side by side, as long as this does not obstruct the traffic.

Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) wants to deal with particularly annoying violations of the StVO by imposing higher fines. Double parking and parking on cycle paths or pavements will be expensive in the future – the fine will be raised from the current 15 Euros to up to 100 Euros.

A minimum distance when overtaking pedestrians, cyclists and electric scooters also creates more safety. In built-up areas a minimum distance of 1.5 metres to the side is to be observed when overtaking, and outside built-up areas a minimum distance of two metres.

A new sign indicates preferential parking spaces for car sharing users. There is a warning fine of 55 Euros for parking on spaces reserved for electric vehicles. “I am pleased,” emphasises Scheuer, “because this will make our mobility safer, more climate-friendly and more fair.”

Failure to form a rescue lane for the emergency services will also be punished more severely. Scheuer wants to increase the fines to between 200 euros and 320 euros. In addition, there will be a one-month driving ban and two points on your licence. This applies regardless of whether the rescue services have been hindered or endangered. Speeding could also result in a loss of your driving licence - in built-up areas, there is a driving ban of one month if the limit is exceeded by a speed of 21 kilometres per hour.

(Original text: Wolfgang Mulke, Translation: Caroline Kusch)