Road use; application for a permit for an event

The public road space is used in a variety of ways. When organising events on public roads, the provisions of the Bavarian Roads and Roads Act (BayStrWG), the Federal Trunk Roads Act (FStrG) and the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) must be observed. The StVO describes everything that is not part of the normal use of the road as "excessive road use" and makes this subject to special authorisation. Corresponding authorisations are issued by the municipalities or the district offices, independent cities or large district towns, and by the governments in the case of supra-regional events.

In our society, there is often a desire to use public street space for events. In addition to leisure events, the desire to use public spaces also includes the preservation of customs.

Depending on the classification of the roads on which an event is planned (i.e. whether it is a federal, state or district road or a municipal road), the district administration office, the independent city, the large district town or the municipality can authorise corresponding events during which the roads are used in a way that is more than usual for traffic.

In the case of supra-regional events, i.e. if they also extend to the territory of other federal states or to neighbouring countries or if they affect more than three Bavarian administrative districts, the governments are responsible (see "Related topics": "Road use; applying for a permit for a supra-regional event").

The events eligible for authorisation are in particular

• Motorsport events with motorbikes
• Racing with motor vehicles
• Special rally tests
• Classic car events
• Bike race
• Triathlon events
• Public cycling
• Relay races
• Popular hikes
• Processions (e.g. parades, carnival)
• Church events (e.g. procession)

The competent licensing authority will usually determine the licensing requirements together with the organiser, the other authorities affected by the planned event and the police. The summary of the requirements and conditions for the event is issued to the organiser as a so-called permit notice (§ 29 Para. 2 StVO).

Depending on the type and size of an event, other official authorisations may also be required, e.g. under trade law, catering law or the State Criminal Code and Ordinance Act. There, the organiser may be given further requirements for the event in the form of conditions, e.g. regarding the development of a safety concept, fire protection, rescue and escape route concept, youth protection or the provision of a security service.

Even if events do not take place exclusively on a road, but still have an impact on road traffic, such as street festivals or markets organised in accordance with the trade regulations, this may require measures under road traffic law. It is conceivable, for example, that stopping restrictions could be ordered to create the event area or that diversions could be ordered around the event area.

For events on or affecting public roads, contact your local authority or district administrative authority as early as possible. They will help you with the question of whether or which authorisation is required in a specific case.