Neglecting the safety distance to the front rider on a motorcycle in Germany: a life-threatening traffic offence with strict penalties
Riding a motorcycle in Germany is subject to strict safety regulations, due to the significantly higher risk compared with other vehicles. One of the key rules is to maintain a sufficient safety distance – both between the rider and the pillion passenger (Sozius) on the same bike and between your motorcycle and the vehicle or motorcycle in front of you on the road.
If this distance is neglected – either between two people on one bike or when following another vehicle – the rider exposes both himself and his passenger to serious danger, and the offence is treated as legally serious.
Who is meant by “front rider”?
The term can refer to two different situations:
The pillion passenger (Sozius) on the same motorcycle:
The person sitting behind the rider who must be secured properly, with a separate seat and footrests.
A motorcycle rider in front of you on the road:
Another biker travelling ahead of you, to whom you must keep a safe following distance.
This article addresses both scenarios, each of which is an important aspect of motorcycle safety in German traffic law.
Here, the issue is less about metres of distance and more about:
Using a motorcycle that is not approved for carrying a second person
Failing to guarantee a safe seat and support for the passenger
Carrying a passenger without a helmet or in inadequate protective clothing
Legal requirements:
The motorcycle must be approved for carrying a pillion passenger (as stated in its registration).
There must be a separate seat and footrests for the passenger.
The passenger must wear an approved helmet (ECE standard).
The rider must demonstrate stable control of the motorcycle despite the additional weight.
Possible penalties:
| Type of offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying a passenger without adequate safety equipment | approx. €10–20 | 0 |
| Passenger without helmet or adequate protective gear | approx. €15–30 | 0–1 |
| Loss of control or causing danger/accident due to load or negligence | approx. €90–180 | 1–2 |
This applies when you are riding your motorcycle behind another motorcycle or a car. You must maintain enough distance to brake safely if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.
Basic rule of thumb:
A commonly used formula is:
Recommended safety distance ≈ half the speed (in km/h) expressed in metres.
Example:
At 80 km/h, you should keep at least 40 metres distance.
When is the distance considered insufficient?
At speeds above 50 km/h, if the distance is not enough for safe braking.
If your behaviour is recorded by radar, camera, or police observation.
If the rider or driver in front complains of persistent tailgating or harassment.
Possible penalties:
| Degree of distance violation | Fine | Points | Driving ban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor distance violation without concrete danger | approx. €25–35 | 0 | No |
| Clearly too close at higher speeds (> 80 km/h) | approx. €75–100 | 1 | Possible, case-dependent |
| Accident caused by insufficient distance | approx. €160–320 | 2 | Yes, up to 1 month |
Riders and passengers on motorcycles are far more exposed and vulnerable to severe injuries in a crash.
With a passenger on board, motorcycles often require a longer braking distance than many people expect.
Repeated violations of safety distance rules are recorded in the German driver fitness register (FAER) in Flensburg and can affect your fitness to hold a licence.
Do not carry a passenger if the motorcycle is not technically approved for two persons.
Use clear indicators and signals, and keep your full attention on traffic.
Do not tailgate motorcycles or cars – always maintain a visible safety gap.
Regularly check tyre pressure, suspension setting, and balance, especially when carrying a passenger or luggage.
Neglecting the safety distance – whether between you and your passenger or to other vehicles on the road – is not just a minor traffic infraction, but a real life-threatening risk that can easily end in fatal injuries.
German law responds strictly to such behaviour, because it recognises a simple fact:
One second of recklessness on a motorcycle can cost you your licence – or someone’s life.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete details may occur. Please consider the information in this article as an initial guide and always consult the competent authorities for binding, up-to-date information.
