Stranded for a Week: Intoxicated Truck Driver Remains Immobilized at a Rest Area - Intoxicated Truck Driver Stranded at Rest Stop for Over a Week
A 40-year-old truck driver has been stuck at a rest area on the A6 near Waldmohr for a week, following an alcohol-related license suspension. The driver was initially observing his rest period when he was stopped by police officers, who found him with a blood alcohol level over three promille.
Under German law, alcohol-related driving offenses lead to fines, driving bans, and license confiscations. A driver caught under the influence cannot legally operate a vehicle and must not continue driving. The man's driver's license was taken away by the police officers, and he has not been able to resume driving since.
Since July 2018, lorry drivers are prohibited from parking in state-owned motorway rest areas for longer than 25 hours, under the “25-hour rule.” The driver, however, must comply with this rule, as there are no specific regulations allowing extended stays beyond the standard parking restrictions for cases where a driver's license is revoked.
The man is capable of taking care of himself, showering, and maintaining contact with his boss. He admitted to being an alcoholic, and a reading of around 2.4 promille was still measured in the man last Wednesday. A second test conducted on the same day showed a blood alcohol level over three promille, and the retest on Tuesday did not result in the man getting his driver's license back.
The truck is currently stranded at the rest area, and the time when the man will be picked up is unknown. The incident was initially reported by SWR, and the police officers took away the man's papers again after the second test. As of now, the man's driver's license is still not reinstated.
It is essential for drivers to comply with basic regulations even when parked, as violations of work and rest time regulations may result in fines and driving bans. Driving without shoes and other infractions are strictly controlled and can lead to punishment.
In summary, if a truck driver is detained at a rest area due to alcohol-related license loss in Germany, they must comply with the maximum parking duration rules (no longer than 25 hours) and cannot legally resume driving until they regain their license. Authorities may intervene if regulations are violated during this period. No exceptions to these rules for alcohol-related license suspensions are indicated in the current regulations.
The community policy at motorway rest areas imposes a 25-hour limit on lorry drivers' parking duration, irrespective of license suspensions for alcohol-related offenses. Considering the truck driver's current mental-health situation, it would be beneficial to utilize vocational training programs for a career transition once he regains his driver's license, also focusing on health-and-wellness and managing alcohol addiction, which appears to be an issue. The general-news media outlets, such as SWR, should report on the ongoing case to raise awareness about the strict laws regarding alcohol consumption and driving, emphasizing the importance of obedience to the rules for the safety and well-being of all road users in the context of crime-and-justice and public policy.
