Developed by the Ministry of Transport since 2021, External: the Mobility Law (in german) (Opens in new window) is a cornerstone of the State’s climate policy, aiming to reduce transport-related CO₂ emissions by 55 percent by 2030. The strategy focuses on reducing car traffic, expanding electrification, and prioritizing public transport, walking, and cycling.
From Principles to Practice
This law fundamentally reshapes the way mobility planning is carried out in Baden-Württemberg. It makes climate protection and sustainability central to all transportation-related decisions, while equipping local authorities with powerful new tools and clear regulatory standards. For the first time, there are enforceable minimum requirements for planning, regulation, and safety that apply uniformly across the state.
By embedding climate goals into administrative processes, the law allows for faster, more coordinated action across municipalities and ensures that sustainable mobility is no longer optional — it's the new standard.
Key Innovations and Instruments
Several of the tools introduced by the law are the first of their kind in Germany:
- Mobility Pass: Local governments can introduce a third-party funding mechanism where citizens or car owners contribute a mobility fee. This amount is returned as a mobility budget, usable for public transport subscriptions like the Deutschlandticket. Unused funds are invested in local transit services.
- Digital Parking Enforcement: Cities are now permitted to use scan-cars for digital parking enforcement, enhancing traffic safety and generating revenue to improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
- Biking Infrastructure Coordination: Every district should designate a new administrator responsible for cycling infrastructure, funded by the state, to ensure consistent planning and implementation.
Minimum Standards for Sustainable Mobility
The law sets a modern, inclusive definition of sustainable mobility. It must be:
- climate neutral and environmentally friendly,
- safe and secure,
- reliable and affordable,
- socially-just and accessible,
- resilient and flexible to demand.
To create a consistent framework for action, the law introduces:
- Infrastructure Design Standards: Walking and biking routes must meet minimum design criteria. Shared pedestrian and bike lanes are discouraged in urban areas.
- Reduction of On-Street Parking: Street design or redesign must include a reduction in surface (street) parking wherever possible.
- Post-Accident Procedures: In cases of fatal traffic incidents, authorities are required to investigate and analyse the site and take corrective measures transparently and promptly.
- Enhanced Public Transport Integration: New housing developments must be assessed for sufficient public transport connectivity.
- Focus on Young People’s Mobility Needs: Children and young adults’ requirements for independent and safe mobility are now central to planning processes.
- Digitalisation and Data Use: Reliable mobility data (via MobiData BW®) is now a public service, improving intermodal transport planning and decision-making.
- Support for Freight Rail: Regional train connections for goods transport are encouraged to promote climate-friendly logistics.
- Charging Infrastructure: Parking facility planning must now include electric vehicle charging and pre-installed network connections.
Looking Ahead
In March 2025 the state parliament of Baden-Württemberg passed the Mobility Law. It sets a new benchmark for regional mobility policy in Germany and beyond. It brings together ambitious climate goals with practical measures and enforceable standards—enabling institutions, municipalities, and districts to work toward a cleaner, more equitable, and more efficient future for mobility.