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If you want to drive in a convoy on German roads, there are several legal regulations you need to be aware of. In this home tip, we’ll show you which rules you need to follow.
Driving in a convoy: What you need to know
When driving in a convoy, several provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) apply, in particular those relating to closed formations, distance, the zipper method, and general right-of-way rules.
- According to the Road Traffic Regulations, even three cars can form a convoy. To enable other road users to recognize a convoy, each vehicle must be visibly marked. Flags on the driver’s side are often used for this purpose. In addition, each vehicle must drive at a similar speed and maintain a similar distance.
- A convoy is considered a closed formation if it is clearly recognizable to other road users (e.g., by markings or special signals). A closed convoy is treated legally as a single vehicle, i.e. all vehicles in the convoy may pass through a red light if the first vehicle has driven through a green light. General traffic rules must still be observed.
- If another driver overtakes a convoy, they may not merge into the middle of the convoy, but must overtake the entire convoy. Overtaking maneuvers are therefore rarely possible with convoys.
- The requirement to maintain a safe distance also applies to convoys. In built-up areas, for example, a distance of at least 15 meters between vehicles is recommended at 50 km/h to ensure safe braking. Trucks and buses over 3.5 tons must maintain a distance of at least 50 meters on highways at speeds above 50 km/h. When entering the highway, a distance of at least 100 meters should be maintained within the convoy for merging if individual vehicles are entering the highway at high speed.
- The zipper method is mandatory when the road narrows, e.g., at construction sites or where lanes end. Vehicles should only merge one after the other and alternately (like the teeth of a zipper) shortly before the narrow section: always one vehicle from the convoy, then one from the flowing traffic. Vehicles in the “continuous” lane must allow them to merge.
- The normal right-of-way rules remain in effect. However, a closed convoy may not simply force its right of way; privileges are strictly limited and do not apply, for example, in traffic jams or at stop signs. Other road users may not “split up” the convoy; separation is only permitted for compelling reasons, such as to avoid accidents or on highway on-ramps where there is sufficient distance.
- These rules apply regardless of whether the convoy consists of cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Compliance with all general traffic and duty of care obligations remains mandatory at all times.
Planning convoys for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles
If you want to form a convoy yourself, you must register your plan with the relevant road traffic authority.
- As approval usually takes a few days to weeks, you should take care of the registration in good time.
- Cyclists may also form a convoy with a registration. However, this requires at least 16 participants.
- In a bicycle convoy, a maximum of 2 bikes may ride side by side.
Practical tips for greater safety
When driving in a convoy, clear and coordinated communication as well as anticipatory and consistent driving behavior are crucial for greater safety. It is important to maintain sufficient safety distances, locate and follow signs and signals within the convoy, and behave prudently at intersections and when changing lanes.
- Communication and signals: The convoy leader passes on driving commands such as lane changes or turning by means of signals (e.g., indicators) from the front to the rear. Lane changes are initiated from the rear and all vehicles follow in a predetermined order to ensure safe merging. Hand signals or radio can also be used for communication. Never change lanes in the middle of the convoy without prior agreement.
- Distance and speed: A relatively small distance is maintained within the convoy, but it must be large enough to allow for safe braking. Outside the convoy, the rule of thumb is to maintain a distance of 2 seconds from the vehicle in front. Maintaining a steady speed and driving with foresight avoids stress, rear-end collisions, and the so-called accordion effect.
- Behavior at intersections: According to traffic regulations, a convoy is considered a single unit. Once the lead vehicle has legally passed through the intersection, the remaining vehicles follow, even if the traffic lights change. Crossing traffic must wait. Nevertheless, special caution is required at intersections, pedestrians and cyclists have right of way, and the entire convoy should pass through without stopping.
- Lane changes:Lane changes must be carried out in an orderly manner, starting at the front of the convoy and moving from the front to the rear vehicle and back. The signals from the lead vehicle must be observed, and no vehicle in the middle of the convoy may unexpectedly change lanes. For outsiders, the following applies: when overtaking a convoy, you must not cut in between the vehicles.
- Proven driving style: Stay calm, drive with foresight, keep your distance, do not push or tailgate, and avoid distractions (e.g., cell phones) to help prevent stress and accidents. When changing lanes and at intersections, also act with caution and pay attention to announcements from the convoy leader.
- These rules of conduct significantly increase safety when driving in convoys and traffic convoys, such as police convoys, company convoys, or groups driving together in road traffic. Although each individual driver remains responsible for their own behavior, a coordinated approach minimizes the risk of accidents in the long term.
