Verkehrssicher

Verkehrssicher is an adjective used in German to describe something that is safe for traffic. It denotes a condition in which a vehicle, piece of equipment, or infrastructure meets the required safety standards and can be operated or relied upon without posing an undue hazard to road users.

In the context of motor vehicles, verkehrssicher refers to the mechanical and functional readiness to be driven on public roads. In Germany this is regularly verified through official inspections such as Hauptuntersuchung (HU) and Abgasuntersuchung (AU), commonly known as TÜV inspections. A vehicle that passes HU/AU is considered verkehrssicher for the next inspection interval; defects may render it not verkehrssicher until repaired.

For infrastructure and operations, verkehrssicher describes roads, bridges, signaling, lighting, and work zones that are maintained to prevent hazards. Authorities may declare a road segment verkehrssicher or issue temporary hazard notices if conditions threaten safety, such as potholes, failed lighting, or obstructed signs.

In product and equipment contexts, verkehrssicher refers to items used in traffic management or road users’ protection, including safety barriers, traffic cones, reflective clothing, and bicycle components, ensuring proper function and visibility.

See also: Verkehrssicherheit, Hauptuntersuchung, TÜV, Straßenverkehrsordnung, and road safety standards.