Hefty Vehicle Checks Resume in Saxony-Anhalt
Police forces in Saxony-Anhalt are once again focusing their attention on inspecting buses and trucks this week. This round of checks will evaluate compliance with driving and rest hours, as well as the technical condition and load of the trucks. Saxony-Anhalt is participating in a multi-state inspection week, according to the Interior Ministry's announcement.
"Disasters involving heavy vehicles have regrettably resulted in severe injuries and sometimes fatalities in the past" underlined Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang (CDU). The importance of ensuring that these vehicles are in top condition before hitting the roads cannot be overstated.
Traffic violation scrutiny is also an essential part of these checks. Any identified issues need to be addressed promptly to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Truck & Bus Inspection Practices in Germany
While details of the ongoing inspection week in Saxony-Anhalt are not disclosed, general practices for truck and bus inspections and compliance in Germany can be inferred.
- Toll Collection System: Heavy trucks are required to use a mandatory toll system (LKW-Maut) while navigating the German autobahn system. This system involves a vehicle-mounted transponder and roadway-mounted sensors to calculate tolls based on the toll route, vehicle weight, and number of axles.
- Traffic Laws & Enforcement: Driving in Germany is governed by the Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO). Enforcement on the federal Autobahnen is managed by each state's highway patrol (Autobahnpolizei), charged with enforcing laws such as tailgating.
- Speed Limits: Specified speed limits apply to different types of vehicles, including buses carrying standing passengers, motorcycles towing trailers, and trucks. Recommended speeds for autonomous lanes are 130 km/h, but actual speeds can vary, and drivers exceeding these limits may be partially liable in the event of an accident.
- Rest Areas & Truck Stops: Rest areas and truck stops are strategically placed along the autobahn network, providing facilities like filling stations, charging stations, lavatories, and restaurants for drivers to take breaks and rest while complying with traffic regulations.
Traffic violations that may be looked out for during these inspections include tailgating, speeding, toll evasion, vehicle condition, and proper load securing.
As police once again step up checks on buses and trucks, the primary objective is to ensure the safety of passengers and other road users. This proactive approach aims to prevent accidents, maintain efficient traffic flow, and promote compliance with traffic regulations throughout the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
