- Motorcycle ban on the L1152 applied in 2025 on weekends and public holidays from April to October.
- Lawsuit is directed against a planned renewed ban from April 1, 2026.
- The BVDM is covering the legal costs and organizing legal representation.
The debate surrounding motorcycle bans on popular country roads has been occupying many regions in Germany for years. In the district of Sonneberg in Thuringia, the dispute has now entered a legal phase. The background to this is a temporary ban on motorcycles on a section of the L1152 state road, which was ordered in 2025.
Motorcycle ban on the L1152 in 2025
The road traffic authority of the Sonneberg district had imposed a ban on motorcycles on the L1152 between the K1 junction and the town of Schauberg for the year 2025. The regulation was valid from April 1 to October 31, on Saturdays and Sundays as well as on public holidays. The management of the responsible authority was responsible for the order.
The district cited what the authority considered to be a high number of motorcycle accidents on this section of the road as the reason for the ban. A total of 13 accidents involving motorcycles were recorded in 2024. In 12 cases, the motorcyclists were found to be at fault. Based on these figures, the temporary ban was imposed as a measure to increase road safety.
Lawsuit against planned closure from 2026
A female motorcyclist and a male motorcyclist from the district of Sonneberg have filed a lawsuit against this practice. The lawsuit is specifically directed against a renewed closure of the route from April 1, 2026. The statement of claim requests that the defendant be prohibited from closing the L1152 state road between the K1 junction and the town of Schauberg to motorcyclists on Sundays and public holidays.
The defendant is formally the Free State of Thuringia, represented by the district of Sonneberg. The amount in dispute in the proceedings has been set at €10,000. The plaintiffs are being represented by a Berlin law firm specializing in administrative law. The Federal Association of Motorcyclists is bearing the costs of the proceedings and providing organizational support for the lawsuit.
The aim of the so-called proactive lawsuit
Administrative court proceedings can drag on for a long time. Against this background, the lawsuit was already filed in October 2025, even though the next driving ban is not due to come into force until the 2026 season. The aim of this approach is to obtain a court ruling at an early stage and prevent the route from being closed again during the 2026 motorcycle season.
From the point of view of the plaintiffs and the BVDM, this should allow sufficient time to obtain a decision before the start of the next season. Whether this goal will be achieved depends on the further course of the proceedings before the administrative court.
Discussion in the district accident commission
According to the BVDM, it became clear at a special meeting of the Sonneberg district accident commission on November 25, 2025, that the motorcycle ban on the L1152 is to be revisited. Representatives of the association were present and criticized what they saw as a blanket measure.
The BVDM argued that motorcyclists who comply with the law should not be held liable for the misconduct of individuals. In addition, alternative measures were proposed that should be tested first before a complete ban on motorcycles is imposed. According to the association, these proposals were not taken into consideration.
Rumble strips as a controversial measure
Instead, the Sonneberg district is apparently sticking to the installation of so-called rumble strips. According to the administration, these are intended to be an additional safety measure. However, the BVDM doubts their effectiveness, especially with modern motorcycles, and points to the high financial cost. According to the association, the proposal to use the funds elsewhere was not taken up.
The Sonneberg region as a motorcycle area
Regardless of the legal dispute, the region around Sonneberg is a popular destination for motorcyclists. The city is located in the border triangle of Thuringia, Bavaria, and Hesse. Coburg, with several historical sights, is about 25 kilometers away. About 50 kilometers away, the Thuringian Slate Mountains Nature Park begins along the Saale River with numerous reservoirs.
The region offers a variety of winding country roads and accommodation options ranging from guesthouses to campsites. For long-distance travelers, the area is easily accessible via the A 73 motorway.
BVDM appeal for considerate driving
Finally, the BVDM appeals to motorcyclists to always behave considerately. In particular, they should drive at low revs in and around towns to avoid unnecessary engine noise. Even when driving at speed, the applicable traffic rules must be observed.
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