June 1, 2025, 2:02 pm | Read time: 7 minutes

Horse riding—as opposed to riding by car—quickly makes you part of road traffic. However, not everyone is aware that clear rules apply to riders as well. To avoid endangering yourself and others, it’s essential to know these rules—and understand what drivers should also be mindful of.

What to Consider When Riding a Horse in Traffic

Those participating in road traffic with a horse must adhere to the same regulations as other road users. This includes keeping to the right, obeying traffic signs, one-way street rules, the right-before-left rule, and stopping at red lights. Sidewalks and bike paths may only be used if explicitly permitted for riders.

However, many rules are more than opaque, as the German Equestrian Federation (DRV) reports on its website. The aforementioned rules mainly apply to public roads, where the nationwide traffic regulations (StVO) are in effect. On private roads, individual federal laws must be observed, which may also be modified by rules for open landscapes, nature reserves, or forest laws. Those traveling with a horse must consider many factors to ensure a relaxed and safe ride.

Traffic Regulations for Riders

The traffic regulations (StVO) provide clear guidelines for the behavior of riders and carriage drivers in traffic. According to § 28 Abs. 2, the same traffic rules apply to them as to vehicles. This equivalence brings obligations and excludes special rights.

According to § 1 StVO, “participation in road traffic requires constant caution and mutual consideration.” It also states: “Anyone participating in traffic must behave in such a way that no one else is harmed, endangered, or more than unavoidably hindered or harassed under the circumstances.”

Horses may only be led or ridden in public traffic if accompanied by a suitable person who can handle the animal safely. The person must have the necessary riding skills or physical aptitude. Equipment also plays a role: for example, riding with a stable halter and lead rope does not provide sufficient safety in traffic. Constant control over the horse on the road must be ensured.

Horses Considered “Slow Vehicles” Under Traffic Law

According to the StVO, riders belong on the roadway, not the sidewalk. However, they must move at the far right edge (§ 2 Abs. 1 and 2 StVO). A solid line at the edge of the roadway requires riders to use the remaining road space to the right. In terms of the StVO, riders are considered “slow vehicles.”

Riding on sidewalks or bike paths is fundamentally prohibited. Leading horses from a bicycle or motor vehicle is also expressly forbidden.

Do You Need to Use Traffic Signals with a Horse?

Horses do not need to carry an electronic device equivalent to a traditional blinker in traffic. However, riders must indicate their intention when making a turning movement with the horse, just like with a vehicle or bicycle. This is usually done through appropriate hand signals to the right or left, which the rider must give to other road users. This applies when indicating a “change of direction,” clearly and in good time before leaving the path.

Lighting Requirements for Horses in Darkness

In conditions of limited visibility—such as at dusk, in darkness, rain, or fog—adequate lighting is required (§ 17 StVO). The regulations are specified in § 28 Abs. 2:

1. When driving livestock, “a non-dazzling light with white light at the front and a light with red light at the end” is required.
2. When leading a large animal, “a non-dazzling light with white light, which must be carried visibly on the left side forward and backward,” must be used.

The DRV also recommends “additional light gaiters on the horse and reflective clothing for the rider.” The so-called boot light on the left side is also considered useful.

Special Rules for Group Riding

When several people ride together, a “group” is formed at a certain number. According to § 27 StVO, a “closed group” is allowed, where riders ride side by side in pairs. The maximum length of the group is 25 meters—after which all riders must ride in a single file. This corresponds to about twelve riders in a dense formation. With 20 riders, two separate groups of ten participants each should be formed. A distance of at least 25 meters must be maintained between the groups to allow for overtaking.

Since the group is considered a single road user, individual lighting for each rider is not necessary. However, the group’s boundaries must be marked “at least at the front with non-dazzling lights with white light, at the back with lights with red light or yellow flashing light” if needed. It is also important that “the lighting must be clearly visible from a distance in one’s own interest.” The use of light gaiters is again strongly recommended by the DRV.

Traffic Signs when Travelling by Horse

Some traffic signs also have special significance for riders. The well-known prohibition sign with a red border and white interior (sign 250) generally means: No entry for vehicles of any kind. Since riders and horse leaders are equated with vehicles under the StVO, this would also apply to them.

However, there is an exception: The StVO clarifies that this prohibition sign “does not apply to riders and leaders of horses as well as drivers and leaders of livestock.” However, if a rider or horse is additionally depicted inside the sign, the prohibition specifically applies to these groups.

Important Traffic Signs for Horse Riders at a Glance

• Traffic Sign No. 238 (Bridleway): Only riders may use this path. There is a bridleway usage obligation—the roadway may not be used in this case. Additional signs may allow other road users to use it; then, consideration for riders and speed adjustment is required.
• Traffic Sign No. 257-51 (Prohibition for Riders): Riding is prohibited here, but leading a horse is allowed.
• Traffic Sign No. 250 (Prohibition for Vehicles of All Kinds): Despite the general prohibition on passage, the traffic regulations expressly allow riding here. Carriages, however, may not enter this area.
• Traffic Sign No. 101-13 or -23 (Rider): This warning sign indicates riding traffic and is often placed near horse facilities or stables. Other road users should drive particularly carefully here.

Rules for Horses and Riders in Forests and Fields

Away from public roads—on field paths, forest paths, or natural areas—different rules apply. While the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Federal Forest Act create the general framework, what the respective federal states determine is crucial. They have their own regulations for riding and driving in forests and fields.

This is a dynamic set of rules, with various regulations at the state level. Special regulations for individual nature reserves and biosphere reserves may also apply. An overview of the currently valid state regulations for riding and driving can be found in the respective compilations of the federal states. Those who are regularly on the move should always stay informed.

How Other Road Users Should Behave

Not only do rules apply to riders and horses—other road users must also behave in a way that does not endanger anyone. Drivers, motorcyclists, and cyclists should adjust their driving behavior when encountering riders. Horses are flight animals and can react skittishly to loud noises or sudden movements. Therefore, honking or frequent ringing should be avoided.

Special caution is also required when overtaking a horse. The speed should be reduced, and a sufficient lateral distance should be maintained—even if the animal is being led and not ridden. Sudden accelerations or abrupt braking in close proximity are taboo. After overtaking, sufficient distance from the animal should also be maintained. Those driving behind a horse and rider and unable to overtake should not follow too closely.

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Horse Manure Must Be Removed

If you are on the road with a horse for an extended period, you should also know: If horse manure falls on the roadway or adjacent green strips, riders are obliged to remove it if possible. However, the top priority is ensuring smooth traffic flow and safely moving the horse aside to clean up its droppings.

With material from dpa