Understanding Passing Stopped Vehicles (Vorbeifahren)

In German driving theory, 'Vorbeifahren' specifically refers to the act of passing a vehicle that is stationary or parked, distinct from 'Überholen' (overtaking), which involves passing a vehicle that is moving in the same direction. This distinction is important for understanding the specific rules and precautions involved. When you encounter a stopped vehicle, whether it's a parked car, a delivery van, or a bus at a stop, your approach must prioritize safety, especially for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

Key German Rules for Passing Stopped Vehicles

The German Road Traffic Act (Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung – StVO) outlines precise rules for passing stopped vehicles. According to § 6 StVO, if you need to swerve to pass a stopped vehicle, an obstruction, or a road narrowing, you must give way to oncoming traffic. If swerving out, you must check for following traffic and indicate your manoeuvre, similar to an overtaking procedure. However, the rules become significantly stricter and more specific when dealing with certain types of vehicles:

Passing Buses at Bus Stops

Section § 20 StVO provides critical regulations for passing buses and marked school buses:

• Approaching Bus with Hazard Lights: If a public transport bus or school bus is approaching a stop and has its hazard warning lights activated, you must not overtake it.
• Bus Stopped with Hazard Lights: When a bus has stopped at a designated bus stop and its hazard warning lights are on, you may only pass it at walking speed (Schrittgeschwindigkeit). You must maintain sufficient distance to absolutely prevent any danger to passengers getting on or off, or those crossing the road to or from the bus. This rule also applies to oncoming traffic on the same roadway. If necessary, you must wait until it is safe to proceed.

This extreme caution is mandated because passengers, especially children, may enter or exit the bus suddenly and move into the roadway without looking, making them highly vulnerable.

Passing Vehicles with Hazard Lights

While § 20 StVO specifically addresses buses, the general principle of extreme caution extends to any vehicle displaying hazard warning lights that is stopped or appears to be a potential source of danger (e.g., a postal vehicle, a broken-down car, or a service vehicle). Always reduce your speed significantly and be prepared to stop. Assume that people may be moving around the vehicle or crossing the road unpredictably.

Why Extreme Caution is Essential

The primary reason for these strict rules is the safety of pedestrians. When vehicles are stopped, especially buses, people may be walking around them, obscured from view, or crossing the road. Children are particularly unpredictable and may run into the street without checking for traffic. By reducing your speed to walking pace and maintaining a safe distance, you give yourself maximum time to react to unexpected movements and ensure the safety of everyone in the vicinity. Failure to observe these rules can lead to serious accidents and significant penalties in Germany.