Allgemeinverordnung

Allgemeinverordnung is a general administrative order used in German-speaking administrative law. It is an act by a public authority that applies to a defined group of people or to a specific geographic area, rather than to a single individual. It is binding on all those within its scope and becomes part of the public law governing the affected sphere.

Such measures require statutory authorization and must respect the principles of legality and proportionality. Municipalities, districts, and state authorities commonly issue Allgemeinverordnungen to regulate matters of public safety, order, health, or traffic. They may impose prohibitions or obligations for a broad audience, such as restrictions on events, curfews, or temporary bans in public spaces.

General ordinances are usually issued in written form and made public through official gazettes or local notices to ensure publicity. Violations can be enforced by the competent authorities and may carry penalties or other sanctions. They are typically subject to judicial review in administrative courts through appropriate procedures, depending on national law.

Examples and scope of use vary, but Allgemeinverordnungen are often employed during emergencies, epidemics, or major public events to maintain order and protect public welfare. They differ from individual decisions addressed to a named person (Verfügung) and from broader normative acts (Verordnung), though they function as practical instruments for implementing such rules at the local or regional level.