verkehrstauglich

Verkehrstauglich is a German adjective that describes the condition of a vehicle, road or infrastructure as being suitable and safe for use in traffic. The term is commonly employed in the context of road‑traffic law, vehicle inspections and transport planning. A verkehrstaugliches Fahrzeug must meet the technical and safety requirements set out in the Straßenverkehrs‑Ordnung (StVO) and the Fahrzeug‑Zulassungs‑Verordnung (FZV). These include functional brakes, lighting, tires with adequate tread, a sound exhaust system and compliance with emission limits. A vehicle that fails to meet these standards is considered nicht verkehrstauglich and may be prohibited from public roads until deficiencies are remedied and a subsequent inspection confirms compliance.

For roadways and traffic facilities, verkehrstauglich indicates that the surface, markings, signage and surrounding environment allow the safe passage of traffic at the intended speed and volume. Authorities assess this through regular audits and by applying standards from the Richtlinien für die Anlage von Straßen (RAS) and the European Union’s road‑safety directives.

The concept also appears in the process of vehicle registration. After a new or modified vehicle passes the Hauptuntersuchung (HU) and Abgasuntersuchung (AU), the issuing authority issues a Zulassungsbescheinigung that confirms the vehicle’s verkehrstauglichkeit. Failure to maintain this status can lead to fines, the suspension of the licence plate or compulsory removal of the vehicle from the road.

In summary, verkehrstauglich denotes the legal and functional fitness of vehicles, roads and related infrastructure for participation in public traffic, ensuring safety, environmental compliance and orderly transport operations.