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Darmstadt Coach Checks Uncover Major Safety Breaches, Three Buses Pulled From Service

Investigators say the multi-agency inspection points to systemic violations in commercial coach traffic.

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Overview

  • Police reported violations on 12 of 13 long‑distance coaches routed to a checkpoint in Darmstadt on 21 August.
  • Severe brake defects were confirmed on three vehicles, including two with cracked discs and one front wheel with almost no braking, leading to immediate travel bans.
  • Checks on 22 drivers triggered 16 investigations for driving‑personnel law violations, with security payments exceeding €15,000 to secure proceedings.
  • Offenses included manipulated speed‑limiting and tachograph devices enabling speeds over 100 km/h, missing rest‑time records, two drivers lacking valid licences, and one driver posing as a passenger.
  • Authorities also checked 124 passengers and, with customs and the veterinary office, ordered the destruction of about 40 kilograms of illegally imported dried meat found in luggage.