Forklifts on public roads: What is permitted and what is not?

What You Need to Know

Forklift trucks may only be used on public roads if thelegal requirementsare met. The maximum speed is decisive:Up to 20 km/h, operating license, owner's license plate and company liability insurance are sufficientt.

From 20 km/h, registration with license plates, motor vehicle liability insurance, annual general inspection and vehicle tax are mandatory.Deviations from the StVZO also require an exemption permit according to §70.

For drivers:A forklift license is sufficient for internal use; for public transport, depending on the speed, a Class L (up to 25 km/h) or Class T (up to 40 km/h) driver's license is also required. Complete equipment such as lights, mirrors, a horn, a warning triangle, and fork safety devices, as well as appropriate insurance, are also mandatory. Transporting loads, towing a trailer, and driving with a raised load are prohibited on public roads. Violations result in fines, liability, or even criminal proceedings.

Driving a forklift across the street or to the next warehouse sounds easy, but it is only possible if registration , insurance , operating permit , special permit and driver qualifications are all clearly regulated.

This guide will guide you through all your obligations in a structured manner – practical and understandable.

Basics

Before we get into forms and license plates, we'll clarify where the rules actually apply – and why the classification is crucial.

What is considered public transport space?

Not only main roads are public. This also includes freely accessible parking lots , loading and unloading zones , retail areas , recycling centers , and business premises without access control . The German Road Traffic Act (StVO) and the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) apply in all of these areas – with clear obligations for owners and drivers.

Why classification is important

Whether an area is public is determined by licensing , insurance , equipment , and driving licenses . Anyone who misclassifies these areas risks fines, liability, and, in extreme cases, criminal proceedings.

Registration & insurance based on speed

The requirements that apply to your forklift always depend on its maximum design speed . The law distinguishes between three levels, each with varying levels of strictness.

Forklifts up to 6 km/h

No registration , no license plate . A registration plate with the owner's name and address is sufficient. Commercial liability insurance provides coverage. A vehicle operating permit is required; if the vehicle deviates from the StVZO regulations, you will also need an exemption permit .

Forklift 6–20 km/h

Here, too, you don't need a registration or license plate —the owner's plate remains mandatory. Insurance is provided through commercial liability insurance . A vehicle operating permit is required; for exceptions , § 70 StVZO (German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations) is also required. A general inspection (MOT) is not required.

Forklifts over 20 km/h

Above 20 km/h, things get formal: registration with an official license plate , third-party vehicle insurance , an annual MOT , and vehicle tax are mandatory. A vehicle operating license is always required; in deviations from this , Section 70 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) also applies.

Driver qualification

For internal use, a forklift license is sufficient. If you drive on public roads, the appropriate driver's license class is also required – depending on the speed.

Internally

For work on the factory premises, a forklift license (material handling equipment license) is sufficient. This certifies theoretical and practical knowledge and is a prerequisite for any safe operation.

Public road transport

The following applies: up to 6 km/h, a forklift license is sufficient; up to 25 km/h, you also need a class L license , and up to 40 km/h, a class T license. A car driver's license alone is not sufficient.

Approvals

Not every forklift meets every StVZO requirement. In this case, you'll need additional permits in addition to the operating license. This way, you can plan carefully and avoid downtime.

Operating license

Mandatory for all forklifts > 6 km/h . It is issued once and is valid permanently unless technical changes are made.

Exemption permit § 70 StVZO

Required if your forklift truck does not meet certain StVZO requirements due to its design (e.g., dimensions, visibility). Typically valid for 6 years .

Permit § 29 StVO

Required if the lifting mast/attachment significantly restricts the field of vision or if the journey involves special circumstances (e.g. very slow overpasses).

Special permit § 71 StVZO

For short, clearly defined routes with restrictions (e.g., time of day, traffic controller, route). Useful if you rarely have to cross public areas but do so legally.

Technical requirements

No driving without full equipment: The StVZO defines clear minimum standards for forklifts in public traffic areas.

Mandatory equipment at a glance

Required are lights (headlights/dipped beam, tail and brake lights , indicators , hazard warning lights , red reflectors), a horn , interior and left exterior mirrors (right in cases of limited visibility), a warning triangle , a first -aid kit , and fork locks . From 4 t GVW: wheel chock . With windshield: windshield wiper . Tires: roadworthy with tread.

Operation in road traffic

Even with all the paperwork, there are limits to use in public areas – they are for your safety and the protection of others.

Taboos and restrictions

Driving with a raised load is prohibited. Transporting loads is only permitted during loading or unloading . Towing a trailer is not permitted. The speed limit is determined by the German Road Traffic Act (StVO) ; in practice, it is often a maximum of 25 km/h for Class L vehicles.

Practice & Tips

This way, you can ensure that every transfer is carried out in compliance with the law – without any unpleasant surprises during inspections or in the event of damage.

Checklist before the trip

• Check the area: Is the route open to the public?
• Clarify Vmax: up to 6, 6–20 or over 20 km/h – it all depends on that.
• Secure your documents: operating permit, if applicable § 70 StVZO, § 29 StVO, § 71 StVZO.
• Driver qualification: Forklift license plus class L/T depending on speed.
• Check equipment: lights, mirrors, horn, first aid, fork lock, wheel chock.
• Confirm insurance: commercial liability or motor vehicle liability – coverage amount in writing.
• Route & requirements: Document times of day, guides, fixed route.

Avoid common mistakes

• “Private property is private”: Without access control, it is considered public.
• “Just a quick trip”: Even 50 meters without papers remains an offense.
• “A car driving license is sufficient”: No – a forklift license and L/T are required.
• Incomplete lighting: No driving without indicators, brake lights or hazard lights.
• Unclear insurance: Obtain written confirmation of coverage for the specific use.

Conclusion

With the right preparation, you can drive your forklift in public spaces legally, safely, and stress-free . Crucial factors include speed , complete documentation (including permits), required equipment , appropriate driver qualifications , and proper insurance .

About the author

Benjamin Biberger

Managing Director

Benjamin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thecommercial and administrative areasof the company and, together with his team, ensures theOptimization of operational processesand theoptimal customer supportin their projects.

Through his many years of experience in the areas of organization andProject managementIt provides a stable foundation – in its own daily business, in sustainableFurther development of processesas well as in theCollaboration with partners and customers.