Verkehrsstraße

Verkehrsstraße is a term used in German-speaking traffic planning and law to refer to a public street or road that is open to ordinary traffic. It denotes a part of the public road network designed for the movement of motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, and it is typically maintained and managed by authorities.

In practice, Verkehrsstraße is a general, descriptive designation rather than a single formal legal category. It encompasses various types of streets within municipal, district or state road networks, including inner-city streets, connecting roads between towns, and rural through roads. Whether a specific street is called a Verkehrsstraße can depend on local planning practice and administrative terminology; it is often synonymous with a Straßen or Gemeinde- bzw. Gemeindestraße in everyday usage.

Regulatory framework and traffic management for Verkehrsstraßen are governed by national and regional traffic laws, most notably the Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) in Germany. The behavior of road users, speed limits, right of way, and the installation of traffic signs and road markings on these streets follow the applicable provisions and signage rules. Responsibility for planning, construction, repair, and administration typically lies with the relevant public authority, such as a municipality, district, or state ministry, depending on the road’s classification and jurisdiction.

Common features of Verkehrsstraßen include the presence of a carriageway, pedestrian facilities (sidewalks), and, where applicable, cycle paths. They connect communities, support local economies, and form part of the broader transport infrastructure.

See also: Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung, Straßen, Gemeindestraße, Bundesstraße, Verkehrsinfrastruktur.