Invitation for Vacation Journeys Accompanied by County Police Officers
As summer vacation approaches in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), police Chief Commissioner Martin Gennert and Senior Commissioner Pascal Wüsten have emphasized the importance of taking time off to avoid stress and ensure a safe journey. To properly load your car, caravan, or motorhome for vacation travel in Germany and ensure safety while avoiding overloading and accidents, follow these key guidelines:
1. Know the vehicle and trailer weight limits - Check the maximum authorized mass (permissible laden mass) of your vehicle, caravan, or motorhome as defined by the manufacturer and legal limits. - For trailers and caravans, the maximum length allowed is generally up to 7.6 meters, and dimensions like height and width have limits (e.g., maximum length 5.5m, height 3m, width 2.3m including load). - Never exceed the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to maintain control and comply with traffic laws.
2. Distribute the load evenly and securely - Place heavier items low and near the axle to maintain vehicle stability. - Avoid placing too much weight at the rear to prevent swaying, especially in caravans or trailers. - Secure all cargo to prevent movement during travel, which can affect balance and safety.
3. Comply with passenger limits - Do not carry more passengers than the manufacturer’s recommendation, usually up to eight persons in standard vehicles, each occupying a fixed seat.
4. Observe speed limits and driving regulations for loaded vehicles - Vehicles with trailers and trucks over 3,500 kg have specific speed limits in Germany: typically 80 km/h on autobahns and other roads, sometimes as low as 60 km/h for heavier vehicles. - Ensure your vehicle has any required speed limiters for trucks or buses.
5. Adhere to traffic regulations related to holiday traffic - Be aware of seasonal restrictions such as bans on heavy goods vehicles during specific hours to ease traffic flow in holiday periods, which also impact towing vehicles and caravans.
6. Prepare the vehicle for the journey - Check tire pressures, lights, brakes, and trailer hitch. - Distribute fuel and water in motorhomes carefully to avoid shifting weight. - Ensure all safety equipment is present and functional.
Remember, what is legal in Germany may not be in other countries, so it's essential to inform yourself about the laws and regulations in the country you plan to visit. It's also advised to weigh your motorhome, car with or without a caravan before a trip to ensure you don't exceed the allowed total weight or axle load.
Exceeding the limit through overloading can happen quickly and thoughtlessly, making it crucial to plan, pack, and load your vehicle for vacation at least a week in advance. A car or caravan is not a safe, especially at rest areas and during vacation, so following these guidelines will help ensure your vehicle, caravan, or motorhome is safely loaded, compliant with German road rules, and able to handle the journey without risking accidents related to overloading or improper loading.
For more information and tips on preparing for a vacation, visit viersen.polizei.nrw. The international emergency number in all European countries is 112, but the emergency number for the police varies from country to country.
Incorporating the given words across two sentences:
- To complement your safe journey during the vacation, consider embracing an alternative lifestyle by maintaining your car properly for travel, ensuring it is not overloaded and securely loaded with the right balance between cars, car-maintenance, and other gear.
- Beyond Germany, remember that other countries may have different regulations for caravan, motorhome, and travel carrier dimensions, so always research and adhere to their specific requirements regarding lifestyle and vehicle dimensions.
