On the road with forklift trucks
Sometimes it is necessary to use a forklift truck on public roads. But not every vehicle is allowed. Read on for an overview of the most important regulations for forklift trucks.
A forklift truck on the road? Generally, the use of forklift trucks is limited to the company's own premises. However, sometimes it is unavoidable to take forklifts out into public traffic - for example, to cross a road between two production halls or to load and unload a lorry. In these cases, special rules apply to ensure that the trucks are safe on the road. We explain what this means for drivers and vehicles.
What is the “public traffic space”?
Interestingly, the German Road Traffic Act goes one step further in defining ‘public traffic space’ than one would expect from the literal meaning: “Traffic is also considered public on non-dedicated roads or spaces if these are actually in general use with the consent or toleration of the party authorised to dispose of them." In other words: Parking areas, loading and unloading areas and areas open to the public are also public traffic spaces. In some cases this may even include company premises. Only areas that are evidently not freely accessible - for example, because they are fenced in - are not included. In addition, everything that is understood as such in everyday language also counts as a legally defined traffic space: roads, paths and squares that are open to general traffic under federal or state law.
The legal situation - what is the law?
The use of forklift trucks on public roads is subject to various laws and regulations. These are the most important:
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The German Road Traffic Act („Straßenverkehrsgesetz/StVG“): This contains the basic rules for vehicle registration. Among other things it states: “§1 (1) Motor vehicles and their trailers which are to be used on public roads must be approved for traffic by the competent authority (‘licensing authority’).”
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The German Vehicle Registration Ordinance ("Fahrzeugzulassungsverordnung/FZV"): This specifies the licensing requirements set out in the Road Traffic Act. For example, it states that all vehicles with a maximum speed of more than 6 km/h require a permit. The third paragraph is particularly important for forklift trucks: “§ 3 (3.1.a) The following vehicles do not require a licence: motorised work machines and forklift trucks.“
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The German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations („Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung/StVZO“): This defines the basic technical requirements for vehicles on the road. Forklift trucks must also have certain equipment. This paragraph is particularly important: ''§ 30 (1) Vehicles must be constructed and equipped in such a way that their normal operation does not cause injury to any person or endanger, hinder or inconvenience any person more than is unavoidable.“
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The German Road Traffic Regulations („Straßenverkehrsordnung/StVO“): It regulates driver conduct. For example, it sets out rules on right of way, speed limits and other aspects of traffic behaviour that also apply to forklift truck drivers in public spaces.
How does the law apply to forklift trucks?
Most forklift trucks used on company premises have a maximum speed of 20 km/h. This means that they are not subject to registration and do not require a licence plate. They only need to be marked with the owner's name and address. There are also no insurance requirements. Normal public liability insurance is sufficient for these trucks.
Equipment for public traffic
In order to be allowed to drive on public roads, forklift trucks must fulfil certain equipment requirements. These are regulated in the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVZO) and include:
- Lighting equipment (§ 49a-54 StVZO):
- Headlight or dipped beam to the front
- Taillight to the rear
- Brake lights
- Rear lights
- Indicators
- Hazard warning lights
- Exterior mirrors (§ 56 StVZO)
- Direction indicators (§ 54 StVZO)
- Side reflectors (§ 51a StVZO)
- Horn (§ 55 StVZO)
- Triangular safety reflector (§ 53a StVZO)
- For forklift trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than four tonnes: wheel chock (§ 41 StVZO)
- Warning triangular safety reflector and first aid kit (§ 35h StVZO)
- Fork safety device (§ 30 StVZO)
Special regulation for short distances
Anyone who regularly has to drive short distances on public roads on a daily basis can apply for a special permit from the relevant licensing authority. This makes it possible to drive on public roads without special equipment. However, the permit is often subject to certain conditions. These may include time restrictions or the obligation to use a marshal.
Requirements for the driver
In addition to the vehicle itself, the driver must also fulfil certain legal requirements. This applies to driving on company premises as well as on public roads. In both cases, the driver must have a valid driving licence.
Vehicles that cannot exceed 6 km/h for construction reasons are exempt. A forklift permit is sufficient. Forklifts with a maximum speed of up to 25 km/h require a category L driving licence in addition to the forklift permit. However, there is an important difference: although you can obtain a category L driving licence from the age of 16, you must be 18 to drive a vehicle on public roads. Younger drivers with a driving licence are therefore restricted to company premises.
Safety first!
The laws and requirements for forklift trucks and their operators listed here are designed to make public traffic safer for everyone. As road traffic changes and vehicles develop, the legal requirements may change as well. It is therefore important that operators and drivers keep up to date. It is also important to be aware of where the private company premises end and the public traffic area begins - because there are other road users on the road who behave differently to their colleagues in the warehouse. Anticipatory driving makes road traffic in these areas safer for everyone.
Important legal notice
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Our team are not lawyers or experts in traffic or labour law. Please note that the rules and regulations described here may change over time. We strongly recommend that you check with the relevant authorities or legal experts before making any decisions or taking any action.
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