Traffic fines in Germany. New obligation for all drivers. Road safety has emerged as a top priority for both the European Union and its member states. Despite numerous measures taken to enhance safety on the roads, tragic accidents persist, posing a significant risk to thousands of lives annually. In response, the European Union has taken the initiative to implement new regulations pertaining to vehicles and road traffic. A crucial element of this strategy involves introducing a new obligation for all drivers, set to be enforced starting from July 2024.
New obligation for all drivers from july 2024
According to the Federal Statistical Office, 2,830 people lost their lives in road accidents in Germany last year. In response to this concerning statistic, new vehicle and road traffic regulations are being introduced. One significant change will be the mandatory installation of reversing cameras in new cars, starting from July 7, 2024. These cameras aim to prevent collisions with people and objects behind the vehicle, as highlighted by the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV).
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The EU regulation outlines four different phases from A to D, during which the new regulations will be gradually implemented. As reported by “futurezone.de“, initially, the obligation applies to new vehicles. However, it will also extend to older cars sold after the regulation’s introduction. Owners of such vehicles will be required to install a functioning reversing camera and/or appropriate sensors. If a driver purchases an older car equipped with a reversing camera and sensors, they must ensure that these devices are in proper working condition to avoid potential fines.
Drivers remain liable
“A non-functioning reversing camera constitutes a violation of the reversing camera requirement and is subject to a fine,” states Motor Vehicle Insurance Compare. In the event that the defect leads to an accident, the following penalties apply:
- Failure to comply with the general duty of care upon reset – 35 euros
- Endangering other road users when reversing – 80 euros and 1 penalty point
- Endangering other road users when reversing resulting in an accident – €100 and 1 point
However, it is crucial to remember that the reversing camera serves only as an aid to assist drivers in parking and maneuvering. In the event of an accident, it does not exempt drivers from penalties and fines. If the system malfunctions, the driver may bear sole responsibility for any resulting damages.
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Ultimately, the driver remains responsible. As outlined in section 1, paragraph 2 of the Road Traffic Act (StVO), drivers have a continuous duty to ensure safety in all directions. In simpler terms, this means that even with a reversing camera, it is imperative to remain vigilant and observe the vehicle’s surroundings, as emphasized by 24auto.de.