Truck with damaged tires stopped on the BAB 7 - driver's responsibility!

Truck with damaged tires stopped on the BAB 7 - driver's responsibility!

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, an incident on the BAB 7 made headlines, which not only caused a stir, but also highlighted the risks of truck traffic. At around 2:40 p.m., a radio patrol car crew from the Hildesheim motorway police observed a truck that was ignoring an overtaking ban in the two-lane area just before the Derneburg junction.

The motorway police were immediately dispatched to the danger zone to clarify the situation. In the course of the subsequent measures, the officers caught up with the truck while it was overtaking again. The truck was finally stopped at the Jägerturm parking lot, where an inspection revealed massive damage to three tires on the drive axle. Significant breaks in the tire rubber and a worn tire tread made it clear that safety was seriously at risk.

Legal consequences and the ban on overtaking

The consequences for the truck driver are sobering. He was banned from continuing to drive until the tires were replaced, and both he and his employer now have to answer to administrative offense proceedings. Disregarding the overtaking ban in Germany entails clear legal action, which can result in both a fine of 70 euros and a point in Flensburg. In the event of danger or an accident, the fine can even rise to up to 300 euros and there is a risk of a one-month driving ban. Overtaking maneuvers should always be carried out carefully - a minimum speed of 10 km/h more than the overtaken vehicle is a requirement that is not always clear to many truck drivers.

The ban on overtaking trucks in Germany applies to vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of 3.5 tonnes. Traffic signs 276/277 indicate the important regulations. It should be noted that overtaking maneuvers must generally be carried out quickly and taking the traffic conditions into account in order not to create dangerous situations. Lengthy overtaking attempts, which are often referred to as “elephant races”, are also not permitted and can also result in fines.

Tires and their importance for road safety

The present situation also highlights the responsibility that truck drivers bear for road safety. Worn tires are not only a violation of the road traffic regulations, they also significantly increase the risk of an accident. On motorways, there is a speed limit of 80 km/h for heavier trucks and overtaking maneuvers must be carried out within the legal framework, which also includes visibility and distances, in order not to impair the flow of traffic.

In summary, the incident on BAB 7 shows how important it is to respect the applicable regulations and ensure the technical safety of vehicles. Road safety should always come first.

For more information on the overtaking ban and the legal consequences, I recommend taking a look at the articles from Bussgeldkatalog.de as well as lawyer.org.

Read the full details of the incident on BAB 7 in the report from Hildesheim press.