Bavaria's Statewide Emergency Speed Test Set for March 12, 2026
A statewide speed test will take place across Bavaria on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The one-minute drill aims to prepare residents for emergencies and check the alert system's reliability. Emergency apps, including NINA, will also send notifications during the exercise.
The test will cover large parts of Bavaria, including the cities and towns of Neutraubling, Schierling, Regenstauf, Obertraubling, and Holzheim am Forst (Trischlberg district). Only sirens linked to the population warning system will sound—those used exclusively for fire brigades will remain silent.
Residents hearing the siren should recognise it as a signal to seek updates via radio or TV in a real crisis. The annual test occurs on the second Thursday of March, ensuring regular checks of the state's Modulares Warnsystem (MoWaS). This system integrates around 1,000 municipalities, sirens, and digital alerts, including Cell Broadcast tones for all-clear messages.
Bavaria's approach differs from other states like Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, and Hessen, which also conduct speedtest drills but with varying methods. While those regions rely on partial or app-based alerts, Bavaria's test involves coordinated participation across all districts, combining traditional sirens with modern digital warnings.
The March 12 test will last one minute and serve as both a drill and a system check. By familiarising residents with the siren and verifying the infrastructure, authorities aim to improve emergency response readiness. Official bulletins will provide further guidance if a real crisis occurs.
