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Research Report 04: Legal Commentary & Practical Matters (v02) ​

Overview ​

Updated compilation of legal commentary, doctrinal analysis, and practical administrative information relevant to the Stiskala v. Neumann case. This v02 document corrects two factual errors in v01 (FB61 department name, Direktion Verkehr address), adds KBK operational context, includes template letters, and re-verifies all sources against live URLs as of February 2026.

Corrections from v01 ​

Itemv01 (incorrect)v02 (corrected)Source
FB61 department name"Fachbereich 61 — Tiefbau"Fachbereich 61 — Stadt- und Verkehrsplanungservice.krefeld.de [6]
Direktion Verkehr addressNordwall 1-3, 47798 KrefeldHansastraße 25, 47799 Krefeldkrefeld.polizei.nrw [9]

1. Kreuzungsräumer Doctrine — Commentary ​

Echter vs. Unechter Kreuzungsräumer ​

Status: VERIFIED — Haufe zfs 03/2023 article accessible (partial paywall; preview confirmed) [1]

The Haufe zfs (Zeitschrift für Schadensrecht) 03/2023 article "Echter und unechter Kreuzungsräumer" provides the authoritative doctrinal framework:

  • Unechter Kreuzungsräumer [sham intersection clearer]: A driver who passed the stop line on green but was forced to halt before reaching the actual intersection area — i.e., before the crossing roadways (OLG Koblenz v. 8.9.1997 – 12 U 1355/16). Such a driver has no priority to clear and commits a Rotlichtverstoß [red-light violation] if proceeding after the signal changes.

  • Echter Kreuzungsräumer [genuine intersection clearer]: A driver who passed the stop line on green and halted within the danger zone of the intersection [Gefahrenbereich der Kreuzung]. The danger zone is reached when — if the driver were not permitted to clear the intersection — the traffic flow would be significantly disrupted (KG Berlin v. 13.6.2019 – 22 U 176/17 [2]).

  • For a genuine Kreuzungsräumer, cross-traffic receiving the green phase has an obligation to allow the stranded vehicle to leave the intersection (OLG Köln v. 23.2.2012 – I-7 U 163/11).

Important note on statutory basis: The Haufe zfs article cites the Kreuzungsräumer doctrine as flowing from § 1(2) and § 11(3) StVO — the general duty of care combined with the prohibition on entering an intersection that cannot be crossed without stopping. This references § 11(3) StVO, not § 11(1) StVO as cited in some secondary sources. The distinction matters:

ProvisionContentRole in Kreuzungsräumer doctrine
§ 1(2) StVOGeneral duty of care and mutual considerationFoundational duty — cross-traffic must accommodate a stranded clearer
§ 11(1) StVO"Besondere Verkehrslagen" — traffic must not be obstructedBroader principle of not blocking traffic
§ 11(3) StVOProhibition on entering an intersection if forced to stop within itDefines the unechter Kreuzungsräumer: a driver who should not have entered

The Haufe article's citation of § 11(3) StVO in this context is consistent with the OLG Düsseldorf v. 17.5.1993 – 1 U 116/92, which the article references directly.

2. Teilsignalisierung — The Centre Signal ​

RiLSA 2015 Categories ​

Status: VERIFIED — Wikipedia article and FGSV publication confirmed [3] [4]

The RiLSA 2015 (Richtlinien für Lichtsignalanlagen / Guidelines for Traffic Signal Systems), issued by the FGSV (Forschungsgesellschaft für Straßen- und Verkehrswesen), is the authoritative German technical standard for traffic signal design and operation. Current edition: 2015, replacing the 2010 edition. The standard comprises eight sections covering planning, signal programme design, steering procedures, special signalisation forms, technical specifications, acceptance, operation, and quality management.

Teilsignalisierung [partial signalisation] refers to intersections where not all traffic movements have independent signal control. RiLSA 2015 defines three categories for left-turn signalisation:

CategoryGermanDescription
UnsecuredUngesichertLeft-turn has no separate signal; driver must yield to oncoming traffic under § 9(3) StVO throughout the green phase
Partially securedZeitweilig gesichertLeft-turn sometimes has a protected phase (own green arrow), sometimes must yield — signal changes between cycles
Fully securedGesichertLeft-turn always has a dedicated protected phase; oncoming traffic is stopped whenever the left-turn signal is green

Diagonalgrün Concept ​

A second signal head within the intersection directed at left-turning vehicles can provide Diagonalgrün — a diagonal green phase where the left-turner receives an independent green while conflicting movements are held at red. This signal arrangement is used at complex intersections where left-turn geometry or traffic volumes require dedicated protection.

Critical point for this case: The function of the centre signal at Grenzstraße / Friedrich-Ebert-Straße is unknown and cannot be determined without the Signalzeitenplan. The possibilities are:

  1. Full traffic signal (red/yellow/green cycle) providing gesichert or zeitweilig gesichert left-turn control — Neumann would have had an independent stop signal.
  2. Repeater signal [Wiederholungssignal] — merely repeats the main signal head's state for visibility improvement; no independent control.
  3. Warning beacon — a yellow-flashing auxiliary signal with no regulatory force; merely warns of oncoming traffic.

Each of these scenarios produces a materially different liability outcome. Resolution requires obtaining the Signalzeitenplan (see § 5 below).

3. Kanzlei Lenné Warning on Verwarngeld ​

Status: VERIFIED — Article live and accessible as of February 2026 [5]

Kanzlei Lenné (Anwaltskanzlei Lenné, specialist firm in Leverkusen; author: Rechtsanwalt Dominik Fammler, Fachanwalt für Verkehrsrecht) published a detailed warning (01.08.2016) with the following key points:

  1. Police hastiness: The firm observes a growing trend of police designating accident causers at the scene even when the factual situation is unclear — allegedly because it simplifies paperwork (Unfallmitteilung instead of full Unfallanzeige).

  2. Verwarngeld + police report = Schuldanerkenntnis in practice: The firm warns explicitly:

    "Denn stehen Sie erst einmal als Unfallverursacher in der Unfallmitteilung der Polizei und haben auch noch ein Verwarngeld gezahlt, so werden das die mit der Unfallregulierung betrauten Versicherungen regelmäßig als Schuldanerkenntnis werten und Sie laufen Gefahr, dass die Haftpflichtversicherung des Unfallgegners Ihnen nichts zahlt und Sie auf Ihrem Schaden zunächst sitzen bleiben."

    Translation: "If you appear as the accident causer in the police report and have also paid a Verwarngeld, the insurance companies handling the claim will regularly treat this as an admission of guilt [Schuldanerkenntnis], and you risk the other party's liability insurer paying you nothing, leaving you stuck with your own damage."

  3. Bußgeldverfahren not a threat: The firm notes that the potential Bußgeld is typically only marginally higher than the offered Verwarngeld, and that in unclear cases the proceedings are often discontinued — which actually helps the civil claim.

  4. Recommendation: Do not pay; insist that police prepare a full Unfallanzeige citing unclear circumstances [unklare Sach- und Rechtslage].

Application to this case: This warning maps precisely onto the Stiskala situation. The EUR 35 Verwarnung under § 1(2) StVO, if paid, would be weaponised by HUK-COBURG as evidence of fault acceptance in the civil claim. Non-payment carries no negative consequence beyond the possibility of a Bußgeldverfahren (which, given the disputed facts, may well be discontinued or result in acquittal).

4. Intersection Location ​

Status: VERIFIED — Confirmed by police jurisdiction [9]

The intersection of Grenzstraße and Friedrich-Ebert-Straße is located in Krefeld-Bockum (PLZ 47799). This is confirmed by:

  • The Polizeipräsidium Krefeld jurisdiction, which covers the accident location (Direktion Verkehr, Hansastraße 25, 47799 Krefeld).
  • The postal code 47799 matches Krefeld-Bockum.

Relevance: Correct jurisdiction identification ensures that:

  • The Signalzeitenplan request goes to Stadt Krefeld (FB61), not another municipality.
  • The Akteneinsicht request goes to PP Krefeld (Direktion Verkehr).
  • Any future court proceedings are filed at AG Krefeld or LG Krefeld.

5. Signalzeitenplan — How to Obtain ​

Responsible Authority ​

Status: VERIFIED — CORRECTED from v01 [6]

The Signalzeitenplan is maintained by:

Fachbereich 61 — Stadt- und Verkehrsplanung Stadt Krefeld Oberschlesienstraße 16, 47807 Krefeld Tel: 0 21 51 / 86-3700 Email: FB61@krefeld.de

Correction: v01 incorrectly identified this department as "Fachbereich 61 — Tiefbau". The verified name is "Stadt- und Verkehrsplanung" (City and Transport Planning). This was confirmed by the official Stadt Krefeld Serviceportal, which lists FB61's full service catalogue including "Verkehrliche Infrastruktur, Verkehrsplanung und Verkehrsraummanagement."

Business hours:

  • Mon–Wed: 08:30–12:30, 14:00–16:00
  • Thu: 08:30–12:30, 14:00–17:30
  • Fri: 08:30–12:30

Kommunalbetrieb Krefeld (KBK) ​

Status: VERIFIED [7]

The KBK (Kommunalbetrieb Krefeld) is the municipal utility company that operationally manages traffic infrastructure on behalf of the city. Key details:

  • KBK operates 273 Lichtsignalanlagen (traffic signals) across Krefeld.
  • KBK handles planning, construction, modifications, operation, and maintenance of traffic signals.
  • KBK advises Stadt Krefeld on Signalprogramme — but the formal authority sits with FB61.
  • Störungsmeldungen (fault reports): Tel 02151-36604308 (24/7)
  • Address: Ostwall 175, 47798 Krefeld

Practical note: If FB61 redirects the Signalzeitenplan request to KBK, the KBK Verkehrstechnik department may be the actual source of the document. The initial request should still go to FB61 as the formal authority.

  1. Informal request: A simple written request for the Signalzeitenplan as public infrastructure information. Many municipalities provide these upon request without formal procedure.

  2. Formal fallback — IFG NRW (Informationsfreiheitsgesetz Nordrhein-Westfalen / Freedom of Information Act NRW): Grants every person the right to access official information held by NRW public bodies. If the informal request is refused or ignored, the IFG NRW provides a statutory right to the information. Fees under the VerwGebO IFG NRW [8] are typically modest (EUR 0–50 depending on complexity).

What to Request ​

  1. The Signalzeitenplan (signal timing diagram) for the intersection Grenzstraße / Friedrich-Ebert-Straße, Krefeld-Bockum.
  2. Confirmation of whether the centre signal on Friedrich-Ebert-Straße is an independent signal [eigenständiges Signal] or a repeater [Wiederholungssignal].
  3. The phase relationship between the Grenzstraße green phase and the centre signal state.
  4. Any available Signallagepläne (signal position plans) showing the physical location of all signal heads.

Expected Timeline ​

  • Informal request: 4–8 weeks depending on departmental workload.
  • Formal IFG NRW request: Same timeframe, but with a legal right to a response. If no response within 1 month, a reminder and escalation (to the Landesbeauftragter für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit NRW) are appropriate.

See § 9 Template Letter (a) below for a ready-to-send draft.

6. Akteneinsicht — File Inspection Procedure ​

§ 49 OWiG [10] — Right of file inspection for the Betroffener (person affected by the Ordnungswidrigkeit / administrative offence), or their legal representative.

Responsible Authority ​

Status: VERIFIED — CORRECTED from v01 [9]

Polizeipräsidium Krefeld, Direktion Verkehr Hansastraße 25, 47799 Krefeld Tel: 02151 634 0 Leitung: Polizeirat Tim Leven

Correction: v01 listed the address as "Nordwall 1-3, 47798 Krefeld". The verified address from the official PP Krefeld website is Hansastraße 25, 47799 Krefeld.

Procedure ​

ItemDetail
Who can requestBetroffener directly, or a lawyer/representative with Vollmacht [written power of attorney]
Cost~EUR 12 for paper copies; free for digital/on-site inspection
FormWritten request (letter, fax, or email); no specific form required
VollmachtWritten power of attorney accepted for third-party requests
ScopeFull police file [Ermittlungsakte] including: Verkehrsunfallanzeige, officer notes, witness statements, sketches, measurements, any photos/dashcam footage

What to Look For in the File ​

  1. Neumann's admission: Was "nicht nach rechts geschaut" [didn't look right] documented in the officers' notes or witness statements?
  2. Signal details: Did the officers note the state of the centre signal at the time of the accident?
  3. Sketch/measurements: Exact collision point, vehicle positions, distance from stop lines.
  4. Witness statements: What did officers Voß and Jennen record from both parties?
  5. Unfallmitteilung vs. Unfallanzeige: Which type of report was actually prepared — the abbreviated Unfallmitteilung or the full Unfallanzeige?

See § 9 Template Letter (b) below for a ready-to-send draft.

7. Fachanwalt Search Platforms ​

Status: All VERIFIED and functional as of February 2026 [11] [12] [13]

PlatformURLDescription
fachanwalt.dehttps://www.fachanwalt.deDAV (German Bar Association) directory; searchable by specialty and location
verkehrsanwaelte.dehttps://www.verkehrsanwaelte.deSpecialist directory for Verkehrsrecht attorneys
golocal.dehttps://www.golocal.deGeneral professional directory with ratings and reviews

Search criteria for this case:

  • Fachanwalt für Verkehrsrecht
  • Location: Krefeld or Niederrhein region (Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Mönchengladbach also viable)
  • Verify independence from HUK-COBURG — the firm should not regularly represent HUK-COBURG as defence counsel, given the same-insurer conflict in this case

8. Key Deadlines ​

DeadlineLegal BasisTimeframeNotes
Verwarnung payment§ 56(2) OWiG [14]~1 week from receiptPayment deadline, not issuance deadline. Non-payment = automatic rejection; Verwarnung becomes void with no negative consequence. § 56(2) specifies a "short period" [kurze Frist] for payment, typically 1 week.
Einspruch against Bußgeldbescheid§ 67(1) OWiG [15]2 weeks from service [Zustellung]Strict deadline; must be in writing [schriftlich] or recorded at the issuing authority [zur Niederschrift]; failure = Bußgeldbescheid becomes legally final and enforceable
Claim report to insurerAKB E.1.1 [16]1 week from eventContractual obligation; "unverzüglich" [without undue delay] in practice ≈ 1 week
Insurer processing§ 14 VVG + BaFin standard~1 monthAfter this: demand advance payments, file Ombudsmann complaint, escalate to BaFin
Verjährung (statute of limitations)§ 195, § 199 BGB3 years from end of year of knowledgeAccident on 04.02.2026 → limitation period starts 01.01.2027 → expires 31.12.2029

Verified § 67(1) OWiG text [15]:

"Der Betroffene kann gegen den Bußgeldbescheid innerhalb von zwei Wochen nach Zustellung schriftlich oder zur Niederschrift bei der Verwaltungsbehörde, die den Bußgeldbescheid erlassen hat, Einspruch einlegen."

Critical near-term item: The Verwarnung ~1 week payment window is the most time-sensitive item. The family must confirm non-payment immediately if not already done. Non-payment carries no downside — the Verwarnung simply lapses. If a Bußgeldbescheid follows, the 2-week Einspruch deadline then becomes critical.

9. Template Letters ​

(a) Signalzeitenplan Request to Stadt Krefeld FB61 ​

[Absender]
[Name]
[Straße, Hausnummer]
[PLZ Ort]
[E-Mail / Telefon]

                                        [Ort], den [Datum]

An
Fachbereich 61 — Stadt- und Verkehrsplanung
Stadt Krefeld
Oberschlesienstraße 16
47807 Krefeld

Per E-Mail: FB61@krefeld.de


Betreff: Anfrage Signalzeitenplan Kreuzung Grenzstraße / Friedrich-Ebert-Straße,
         47799 Krefeld-Bockum


Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

am 04.02.2026 ereignete sich an der Kreuzung Grenzstraße / Friedrich-Ebert-Straße
in Krefeld-Bockum ein Verkehrsunfall, an dem ich als Beteiligte(r) betroffen bin.

Zur Klärung des Unfallhergangs benötige ich folgende Unterlagen bzw. Auskünfte:

  1. Den Signalzeitenplan (Phasenplan) für die Lichtsignalanlage an der Kreuzung
     Grenzstraße / Friedrich-Ebert-Straße.

  2. Auskunft darüber, ob die Lichtzeichenanlage in der Kreuzungsmitte auf der
     Friedrich-Ebert-Straße (in Fahrtrichtung des Linksabbiegers) als
     eigenständiges Signal mit eigenem Phasenprogramm arbeitet oder als
     Wiederholungssignal (Repeater) des Hauptsignalgebers fungiert.

  3. Die Phasenbeziehung zwischen der Grünphase der Grenzstraße und dem
     Signalzustand des mittleren Signalgebers.

  4. Sofern vorhanden, den Signallageplan mit der Position aller Signalgeber
     an dieser Kreuzung.

Sollte eine formlose Herausgabe nicht möglich sein, stütze ich diese Anfrage
hilfsweise auf das Informationsfreiheitsgesetz NRW (IFG NRW), welches jedermann
ein Recht auf Zugang zu amtlichen Informationen einräumt.

Für Rückfragen stehe ich gern zur Verfügung. Ich bitte um Bearbeitung innerhalb
von vier Wochen.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen

[Unterschrift]
[Name]

(b) Akteneinsicht Request to PP Krefeld ​

[Absender]
[Name]
[Straße, Hausnummer]
[PLZ Ort]
[E-Mail / Telefon]

                                        [Ort], den [Datum]

An
Polizeipräsidium Krefeld
Direktion Verkehr
Hansastraße 25
47799 Krefeld


Betreff: Antrag auf Akteneinsicht gemäß § 49 OWiG
         Verkehrsunfall vom 04.02.2026, Kreuzung Grenzstraße / Friedrich-Ebert-Straße
         Aktenzeichen/Verwarnungsnummer: [Aktenzeichen aus der Verwarnung einsetzen]


Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

ich, [vollständiger Name], geboren am [Geburtsdatum], wohnhaft [Adresse], bin
Betroffene(r) in dem oben genannten Vorgang.

Am 04.02.2026 wurde mir an der Unfallstelle Kreuzung Grenzstraße /
Friedrich-Ebert-Straße in 47799 Krefeld-Bockum durch die aufnehmenden Beamten
(PK Voß, PK Jennen) eine Verwarnung nach § 56 OWiG in Höhe von EUR 35,00
wegen eines Verstoßes gegen § 1 Abs. 2 StVO ausgesprochen.

Gemäß § 49 OWiG beantrage ich hiermit Einsicht in die vollständige
Ermittlungsakte, insbesondere:

  1. die Verkehrsunfallanzeige bzw. Unfallmitteilung,
  2. die Aussagen und Vernehmungsprotokolle aller Beteiligten und Zeugen,
  3. die Unfallskizze sowie etwaige Messprotokolle,
  4. die dienstlichen Vermerke und Feststellungen der aufnehmenden Beamten,
  5. etwaige Lichtbilder oder Dashcam-Aufnahmen.

Ich bitte um Übersendung der Akte in Kopie (postalisch oder digital).
Alternativ bin ich bereit, die Akte vor Ort einzusehen.

Die anfallenden Kopiekosten übernehme ich.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen

[Unterschrift]
[Name]

10. Practical Cost Estimates ​

ServiceApproximate CostNotes
Signalzeitenplan request (informal)FreeSimple written request to FB61
Signalzeitenplan request (IFG NRW formal)EUR 0–50Depends on municipality fee schedule [8]
Akteneinsicht (paper copies)~EUR 12Via § 49 OWiG
Akteneinsicht (digital / on-site)FreeDigital copy or on-site inspection
Independent Kfz-SachverständigerEUR 500–1,500Depends on damage extent and scope of report
Fachanwalt initial consultationEUR 0–250Many offer free initial call; otherwise capped at EUR 190 + VAT (§ 34 RVG)
Ombudsmann complaintFreeNo cost to the consumer

Summary ​

All commentary sources and practical information have been re-verified against live URLs as of February 2026. Two material corrections from v01 have been applied (FB61 department name, Direktion Verkehr address). KBK operational context has been added. Template letters are provided for the two most time-sensitive evidence-gathering actions: the Signalzeitenplan request and the Akteneinsicht request.

The Signalzeitenplan remains the single most critical piece of evidence in this case. Its acquisition should be the immediate priority alongside confirming non-payment of the Verwarnung.

Sources ​

  1. Haufe zfs 03/2023: Echter und unechter Kreuzungsräumer — haufe.de
  2. KG Berlin, 13.06.2019, 22 U 176/17 — dejure.org
  3. Wikipedia: Richtlinien für Lichtsignalanlagen — de.wikipedia.org
  4. FGSV: RiLSA 2015 — fgsv-verlag.de
  5. Kanzlei Lenné: Verwarngeld nicht zahlen — anwalt-leverkusen.de
  6. Stadt Krefeld Fachbereich 61 — Stadt- und Verkehrsplanung — service.krefeld.de
  7. KBK Krefeld — Straßen und Verkehr — kbk-krefeld.de
  8. VerwGebO IFG NRW (fee schedule) — recht.nrw.de
  9. Polizeipräsidium Krefeld, Direktion Verkehr — krefeld.polizei.nrw
  10. § 49 OWiG — dejure.org
  11. fachanwalt.de — Krefeld — fachanwalt.de
  12. verkehrsanwaelte.de — Anwaltsuche — verkehrsanwaelte.de
  13. golocal.de — Krefeld — golocal.de
  14. § 56 OWiG — dejure.org
  15. § 67 OWiG — gesetze-im-internet.de
  16. HUK-COBURG AKB 2026 / Unfallhilfe — huk.de