Regulatory Framework
Key Standards in Germany
Traffic safety at construction sites is governed by:
- RSA 21 - Guidelines for Traffic Safety at Road Work Sites (Richtlinien für die verkehrsrechtliche Sicherung von Arbeitsstellen)
- ZTV-SA - Additional Technical Contract Conditions for Safety Work (Zusätzliche Technische Vertragsbedingungen für Sicherungsarbeiten)
- StVO § 43 - German Road Traffic Regulations on traffic equipment
- TL - Technical Delivery Conditions for safety products
The RSA 21 replaced the RSA 95 in February 2022 and applies to all public roads in Germany. It defines how construction sites must be secured to protect both workers and road users.
Warning Beacons vs. Barrier Fences
Warning Beacons (Leitbaken)
Purpose: Guide traffic around obstacles on roadways
Sign: VZ 605 (red-white stripes)
Standard size: 100 × 25 cm
Night sites: min. 75 × 18.75 cm
- For lane closures and diversions
- Stripes point toward open traffic lane
- NOT allowed on sidewalks
Must be equipped with warning lights in cross barriers!
Barrier Fences (Schrankenzäune)
Purpose: Block access to work areas completely
Sign: VZ 600 (red-white-red stripes)
Wysokość: Upper edge at 1.0 m above ground
- Required for pedestrian areas
- Must be used at tight spaces near intersections
- Horizontal bars with vertical stripes
Common mistake: Using beacons where barrier fences are required!
Reflection Classes (RA1, RA2, RA3)
The RSA 21 introduced stricter requirements for reflective materials. These classes indicate how well materials reflect light back to drivers.
| Class | Reflection Level | Required Use |
|---|---|---|
| RA1 | Basic | Only for longitudinal barriers (sides), fall protection |
| RA2 | Enhanced | Standard requirement since RSA 21 for most applications |
| RA3 | High-performance | Highways, high-speed roads, poor visibility conditions |
Important change with RSA 21: RA2 is now the standard requirement. RA1 materials are only allowed in specific cases like fall protection barriers in longitudinal positions.
Warning Lights Requirements
Cross Barriers
- Warning lights on EVERY beacon
- Maximum spacing: 1.0 m between lights
- Yellow steady light or flashing light
Longitudinal Barriers
- Lights required at lane shifts (Verschwenkungen)
- Maximum spacing: 9 m (according to plan B 1/5)
- Can be omitted on straight sections
Fall Protection at Excavations
Excavations up to 1.25 m deep
- Barrier fence height: min. 1000 mm
- Bar width: min. 100 mm
- Pipes/tubes NOT allowed
Excavations over 1.25 m deep
- Construction fence (Bauzaun) permitted
- Minimum fence height: 1200 mm
- Stable anchoring required
Quick Reference: When to Use What
| Situation | Required Equipment |
|---|---|
| Lane closure on roadway | Warning beacons (Leitbaken) with lights |
| Sidewalk closure | Barrier fences (Schrankenzäune) - beacons NOT allowed |
| Near intersections | Barrier fences instead of beacons |
| Excavation protection | Barrier fence (shallow) or construction fence (deep) |
| Long-term site on public road | Construction fence + traffic signs + permit |
Our Traffic Safety Service
We provide RSA-compliant traffic safety equipment for your construction site:
- Warning beacons with RA2 reflection (RSA 21 compliant)
- Barrier fences for pedestrian areas
- Warning lights (steady and flashing)
- Traffic signs and signage
- Advice on proper setup according to regulations
Need help with the permit application? We can handle this for you as part of our full-service package.