No, riding unrestrained in the back of a truck is illegal under German traffic law. The Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) §21(2) prohibits passengers from occupying unenclosed cargo areas unless seated in approved seating with safety restraints. Violations risk fines up to €70 and one penalty point in Flensburg. Local authorities, including state police (Landespolizei) and municipal traffic enforcement (Ordnungsamt), actively monitor violations, particularly in urban areas like Berlin and Hamburg.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Germany
- StVO §21(2) Compliance: Passengers must occupy enclosed cabins or designated seating with seatbelts. Unenclosed cargo areas are prohibited unless the vehicle is a landwirtschaftlicher Anhänger (agricultural trailer) or meets §70 StVZO exemptions for construction or emergency services.
- Vehicle Type Restrictions: Trucks without fixed seating or safety restraints in the cargo area are off-limits. The Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung (FZV) mandates that all passenger-carrying modifications require TÜV certification.
- Local Enforcement Trends: From 2024, municipalities like Munich and Cologne have intensified checks under the 2026 Verkehrssicherheitsprogramm, targeting unlicensed passenger transport in commercial vehicles. Repeat offenders face vehicle impoundment.