[Update: 25.09.2023] What we need to carry in the car for our safety, is aware of every driver. We also learned in driving school that we should stow and secure whatever we want to take with us in accordance with the regulations. We know that we should store large and bulky items such as suitcases in such a way that they do not fly through the car and that we have to fasten the bike in such a way that it stays in place while it is in motion, but what are the regulations exactly there, at least only they know that.
Roof transport – the regulations
At the beginning the most important: When it comes to cargo, it is always about safety. This is especially true for the car roof. If something isn't secured properly, then in the worst case scenario it could fly towards oncoming traffic in the first corner. Something like this can have extremely serious consequences. In order to avoid an accident, points in Flensburg or a fine, there are a few things to consider when it comes to roof transport. How do I load the vehicle correctly? What types of roof racks are there? What kind of fine can I expect if I load incorrectly?
Regulations and Penalties
The road traffic regulations describe exactly the maximum packing dimensions of the load in Section 22.
- The maximum load width may not exceed 2,55 meters.
- The maximum height of the vehicle and load may not exceed 4,0 meters.
- The load must not protrude forward over the vehicle up to a height of 2,5 meters. This protects pedestrians.
- The maximum length beyond the rear of the vehicle is 1,5 meters or even up to 3,0 meters for a distance of less than 100 kilometers.
If road traffic is endangered by violating these requirements, the catalog of fines contains the following penalties:
- Lack of protection against avoidable noise: € 10
- Missing securing by means of prescribed securing means: 25 €
- Failure to comply with the specified maximum height, width and length to the front: €20
- Failure to comply with the maximum height on the motorway >4,2 m Height: €70, 1 point in Flensburg
- Load not safely stowed: 35 €
- Load not safely stowed away and road users at risk: € 60, 1 point in Flensburg
- Load not safely stowed away and causing an accident: € 75, 1 point in Flensburg
- Charging not in accordance with regulations - traffic safety strongly influenced: 80 € and with an accident 120 €, 1 point in Flensburg
In general, it can be said that the load must not slip and the center of gravity must be as low as possible in order to achieve the Danger of tipping over to reduce. In order to keep the load on the car as small as possible, a roof load should be removed as soon as possible. The increased air resistance can also lead to additional fuel consumption of up to 1,5l / 100 km and the background noise in the vehicle is significantly louder.
Carrier systems for the car
To take a larger load with you, such as when going on vacation or moving tension belts essential. And for additional loading, they are specially tailored to the respective vehicle Roof or rear rack systems. We recommend individual carrier systems with adapters for the right purpose. Depending on the occasion, bike racks, ski racks or roof boxes can be attached. Information on the maximum permissible roof load is given by the car manufacturers and can be found in the operating instructions.
Special case Christmas tree on the roof?
Basically, when transporting a Christmas tree on the roof, it is about not a special case. Here, too, the key points mentioned above must be taken into account. In other words, it must not protrude forward, it must be securely fastened and attention should also be paid to the weight due to the maximum roof load specified by the manufacturer. You should do this with a Put a blanket underneathso that the paint on the car does not get scratched and the lower end has to be removed from the Christmas tree point forward. The securing by means of a tension belt (not a simple rubber expander) Needless to say. Tip: Maybe the tree even fits in the roof box?
Summary information - how to transport the Christmas tree correctly:
- Transport in the trunk?
- Fold down the seats
- Trunk towards the driver
- The end of the trunk should hit the backrest
- Fasten the tree with lashing straps
- If the trunk is left open, the tree may have the rear light and the license plate do not cover up - Transport on the roof?
- Consider roof rack (roof rack)
- Put a blanket underneath
- the lower end of the tree must point to the front
- Secure the tree with a tension belt
- incorrect loading costs 60 EUR + 1 point
- stands the Christmas tree more than a meter beyond the stern, then he has to go with one marked with a red flag (in the dark with a red lamp)
Rules and instructions for transport on the car roof:
Legal requirements and dimensions: If you transport items on the roof of your car, there are legal requirements to consider. The maximum height with roof load is allowed four meters do not exceed. The load should not be more than sideways 40 centimeters protrude beyond the marker lights, and the overall width should 2,55 Meters do not exceed. When it comes to the load protruding forward and out, different rules apply: The load can move forward up to 2,5 meters height in order not to endanger pedestrians. To the rear there is an overhang of up to 1,5 meters allowed. For shorter distances of less than 100 kilometers, this can even be up to three meters .
- Roof load and weight: The permissible one roof load varies depending on model and manufacturer. As a rule, for common cars it is between 75 and 100 kg. For example, an SUV like the Dacia Duster has one Roof load of 80 kg, while an off-roader like the Jeep Wrangler up to 100 kg can carry. It is important to emphasize that both the weight of the cargo and the roof rack are included in this approval permissible total weight of the car must not be exceeded.
- Speed limits and recommendations: Especially when transporting items like surfboards you shouldn't go faster than 120-130 km / h drive to get to your destination safely. Even though it's legal no maximum speed for driving with one roof rack many manufacturers recommend one Recommended speed of 130 km / h.
Other important information
- The permissible roof load can be found in the vehicle's operating instructions and not in the vehicle registration document.
- Not every roof rack is suitable for every vehicle model. Choosing the right carrier depends on the type of roof and the vehicle.
- roof rack make not subject to registration and do not require a general operating permit (ABE).
Finally Drivers should always ensure they transport their load safely and in accordance with applicable regulations to minimize risks and reach their destination safely.
Do you need the “red flag” when transporting Christmas trees? |
Sports exhaust, sound generator, flap exhaust: that's the law! |