The German Road Traffic Act (StVO) is the central set of rules for public road traffic in Germany. It regulates the behavior of road users and provides the legal basis for safe and orderly driving – both in a private and professional context. For companies with their own fleet of vehicles, the StVO is essential to ensure road safety and avoid legal risks.
What does the Highway Code regulate?
The StVO contains numerous regulations, including
- Rules of conduct in road traffic (e.g. priority rules, speed limits)
- Road safety regulations (e.g. compulsory lights, distance, load securing)
- Special regulations for commercial vehicles, for example when parking or transporting heavy loads
- Traffic signs and facilities that must be observed
- Sanctions for infringements – from warnings and fines to driving bans
Importance of the StVO for fleet management
Fleet managers are not only responsible for vehicle management, but also for compliance with all relevant road traffic regulations:
- Driver instruction according to UVV and StVO regulations
- Checking driving behavior, e.g. for speeding or distance violations
- Load securing in accordance with § 22 StVO – particularly relevant for transport vehicles
- Monitoring of driving times and rest periods, where applicable
- Parking regulations for company vehicles in the urban area or on company premises
Liability for violations
Violations of the StVO can affect not only the drivers, but also the company or the fleet manager, especially if:
- Vehicles are on the road in a technically unsatisfactory condition
- Drivers without a valid driving license
- road safety is not checked regularly
- regulations on load securing or roadworthiness are ignored
Measures for compliance with the StVO in the vehicle fleet
- Regular driver training with a focus on changes to the StVO
- Use of fleet software to document relevant inspections
- Implementation of behavioral guidelines for all vehicle users
- Training of managers with regard to keeper obligations and StVO conformity
Conclusion
The Highway Code forms the backbone for safe and legally compliant behavior in the company fleet. Consistent compliance not only protects life and health, but also protects the company from legal and financial damage. Professional fleet management therefore takes into account all relevant provisions of the German Road Traffic Act – from driver qualifications to vehicle equipment.
