StVO

StVO, short for Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung, is the principal German regulation governing conduct on public roads. It defines general duties of road users, priorities, and the interaction with traffic signs and signals. The regulation applies to all persons using public streets, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and riders of mopeds or mobility aids.

Its provisions cover core areas: general behavior on the road, speed and following distance, overtaking, right-of-way at intersections, stopping and parking, use of lights and signaling devices, and special rules for zones such as residential streets (Spielstraßen), school zones, and pedestrian areas. It also structures how traffic signs, signals, and road markings should be understood and observed, typically in conjunction with the accompanying appendices that define signs.

Enforcement is carried out by police and other authorities; violations may incur administrative fines, points on the German central register (Flensburg), and, in extreme cases or for repeat offenses, further administrative measures under related laws.

The StVO is part of the German road traffic law framework, working in coordination with the Road Traffic Act (StVG) and the vehicle standards and approvals regulations (StVZO). It is regularly updated to reflect changes in traffic practice and EU directives; current versions are published in the Federal Law Gazette and made available on official legal portals.