Seitenstreifen

A Seitenstreifen is the lateral strip of road space situated to the outside of the main traffic lanes. It runs along the edge of a roadway and can be paved or unpaved, sometimes grassy, and separated from the carriageway by edge markings or a curb. The exact width and surface type vary by country, road type, and design standards.

The primary purpose of a Seitenstreifen is to provide space for stopped or disabled vehicles, emergency access, and maintenance activities, as well as to serve drainage and other roadside functions. It acts as a safety buffer between moving traffic and hazards on the roadside. In many jurisdictions it is not intended for regular vehicle use; it is typically reserved for emergencies, breakdowns, or maintenance, and its use for normal driving is usually restricted or prohibited except where explicitly allowed.

In German-speaking countries, the term is used to describe the roadside strip adjacent to the traveled lanes, with standstreifen (or hard shoulder) on some roads or motorways carrying a separate role for emergency use. Regulations about when and how the Seitenstreifen may be used vary by country and road category, and in many cases official guidance or traffic control devices determine permissible operating conditions. Drivers are generally expected to use the Seitenstreifen only in emergencies and to rejoin the main lanes as soon as it is safe.

Design and maintenance of Seitenstreifen influence road safety, since a poorly maintained or obstructed strip can increase crash risk. It is distinct from sidewalks or dedicated cycle paths and is typically not a route for pedestrian or routine bicycle traffic unless specifically designated. See also standstreifen, Rettungsgasse.