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Bike boxGermany

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Germany. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Germany

58. Bike box

A bike box, also called an advanced stop area, is a marked space at a signal-controlled intersection where cyclists can wait ahead of motor vehicles while the traffic light is red. It is usually positioned between two stop lines and may display a bicycle symbol.

A bike box helps increase cyclist visibility and allows cyclists to position themselves clearly before traffic starts moving. The exact users, markings and traffic-light rules vary between countries.

Bike box
Crossroad with bike box. (Bremen, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Ulamm • CC BY-SA
What is a bike box or advanced stop area in Germany?

Germany’s aufgeweiteter Radaufstellstreifen is an enlarged waiting area for cyclists at traffic lights. The national administrative guidance describes an additional stop line set back for motor traffic so cyclists can position ahead. Drivers must obey their applicable stop line and signals.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §37; Annex 2, sign 294; VwV-StVO on §9(2), paragraph IV

🔗 verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VwV-StVO on §9(2), paragraph IV: enlarged cycle waiting areas

Where should a car wait when a marked bike box has a red light in Germany?

Where the box is reserved for cyclists, stop at the motor-vehicle stop line before the box when the signal requires a stop. Follow any separate vehicle-category signals, local exceptions and direction from a traffic officer.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §37; Annex 2, sign 294; VwV-StVO on §9(2), paragraph IV

🔗 verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VwV-StVO on §9(2), paragraph IV: motor-vehicle stop line

Does a bike box let cyclists ignore a red signal in Germany?

No. A bike box is a positioning facility, not a general exemption from red traffic lights. Cyclists must obey their applicable lights and any specially authorised turn indications. Turning drivers must check for cyclists moving off when signals change.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §37; Annex 2, sign 294; VwV-StVO on §9(2), paragraph IV

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