StVG

The Straßenverkehrsgesetz (StVG) is a German federal statute that provides the general legal framework for road traffic. It establishes the authority of public bodies, defines the liability regime for road users, and sets out the enforcement tools used to ensure safe and orderly road use.

The StVG covers the rights and duties of all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. It regulates matters related to driving privileges, such as the authorization to drive and the processes for withdrawal or suspension of licenses. It also addresses liability for damages and injuries arising from road traffic, including the allocation of responsibility and the procedures for enforcement.

Enforcement and penalties under the StVG include rules governing administrative offenses and, in appropriate cases, criminal penalties. Violations can lead to fines, points, license suspensions or revocations, and, in serious instances, imprisonment. The act authorizes police and other authorities to enforce road traffic rules and to impose administrative measures aimed at ensuring road safety.

Relation to other laws: The StVG works in conjunction with the Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO), which contains the concrete traffic rules such as speed limits and right-of-way. It interacts with vehicle-technical and licensing regulations like the StVZO and the FeV, as well as with EU directives implemented into German law. Administration and enforcement are carried out at the federal level, with bodies such as the BMVI and the KBA involved, and by police authorities at the local and state levels.

History and scope: Since its adoption in the post-war period, the StVG has been amended numerous times to adapt to changing traffic conditions and European standards. It remains a central component of German traffic law used by courts, authorities, and road users.