Filming on public streets and grounds

The general filming permit is a requirement for filming on public territory and can only be issued for the period covered by the insurance. It is issued by the film office of the Central Road Traffic Authority and is valid for up to two years and applies to all of Berlin - excluding motorways.

The following forms must be submitted to the film office of the Central Road Traffic Authority:

• Application for general filming permit
• Confirmation from the insurance company
• (For confirmation of insurance events the insurance company has the above-standing ready to download form for the Environment, Transport and Climate Change Division VI A. It is not enough to submit a general insurance certificate.)
• Declaration of exemption
   

Fees: 

• 1 day - 50 €
• 3 month - 120 €
• 6 month - 200 €
• 1 year- 300 €

In each individual case, filming must be requested in good time, stating the exact location, time and duration, as well as the type of filming intended. The necessary traffic signs and facilities must be entered in a traffic sign plan and submitted with the application. The general filming permit is combined with additional provisions (in German only).

Good to know:

• The 96-hour deadline must be observed when setting up stopping restrictions.
• Filming must not pose a threat to public security or order.
• The affected residents must be informed of the location, time and progress of filming by letter no later than 3 days before filming begins. In addition, the telephone number of a contact person who will be present on site must be given to residents.
• The general filming permit must be carried and handed over to responsible persons upon request.
• Misuse can lead to the revocation of the general filming permit.

Please note:

If the provisions are not met, the police are entitled to stop filming or postpone the start of filming until the secondary provisions are met.

The general filming permit is a prerequisite for an arrangement for putting up stopping bans and other measures, such as interval or full closures. The order is issued by the film office of the central road traffic authority. They will also involve the police and district authorities. Sometimes this has to be done by the production prior to submitting the approval. An administrative fee depending on the authority's effort will be charged. It is based on the tariff for measures concerning road traffic. The sliding-scale fee lies between € 10.20 and € 767.00.

We kindly ask you to submit the application as early as possible, at least 2 weeks before the start of the activity. During busy filming periods, the deadline can also be extended.

Application forms:

• Application for single filming permit (central road traffic authority (in German only) 
• Explanation of traffic sign plan after site inspection (in German only) 
  (With the explanation traffic sign plan after site inspection, the production company confirms, among other things, that the traffic sign plan to be submitted/submitted is based on a current inspection of the event or production area and that it corresponds with the actual conditions on-site at the start of filming. If the barrier only affects the sidewalk, a 1.5-meter-wide strip must be kept clear for pedestrians to pass through.

The civil engineering department of the district offices is responsible for the use of public roads and grounds in connection with filming. The special use is independent of road traffic law and is based on road law. The fees for the special use of public road territory for film work depend on the scope and duration of use and are determined in accordance with the Special Use Fee Ordinance.

• Civil engineering offices Berlin

Application forms:

• Application for special use permit / engineering office of the district (in German only)
• Explanation of traffic sign plan after site inspection (in German only)

Authorisation is subject to additional conditions:

• The safety and order of public transport must be guaranteed at all times. This specifically refers to driving on sidewalks or parked motor vehicles.
• The special user is fully liable for all damages to the road paving and for all accidents caused by the driving vehicles.
• House and shop entrances as well as property entrances must remain accessible at all times so that rescue, fire protection and security measures are not obstructed.
• The street's green areas (trees, bushes, lawn, etc.) must be protected from damage. A paved sidewalk area of minimum 1.5m width must be allowed for between the vehicle and the greenery.
• Regardless of one's own fault, the permit holder is liable to Berlin for all damages that the city might incur in connection with the special use license. If in doubt, any damage incurred is considered to have been caused by the licensee.
• If third parties raise claims against Berlin in connection with the special use license, the license holder must release Berlin upon request and take over the representation of Berlin in a legal dispute.

Note:

A special use without to corresponsing special use permit, as well as violations of the conditions, will be handled as an administrative offense, which can be punished with a fine of up to € 10,000.

Attention: 

The Berlin Roads and Parks Authority added a passage to the ancillary provisions of special use permits with immediate effect. This passage is made mandatory. You may be asked to provide necessary evidence during the application process.

1. The required electrical energy needs to be taken from the on-site network. If this won‘t be possible, generators are allowed to be used. When using diesel-powered generators, you need to make sure that they are equipped with a particle reduction system providing a separation efficiency of over 90% for all particle sizes.

Reason:

Residents' complaints about power generators are increasing. Unfortunately, generators are often not installed carefully by prodution companies, which results in noise and odor polution in the immediate vicinity of houses/apartments. In consultation with the district environment and nature conservation office, the SGA-Mitte of Berlin decided to take this step to achieve a simple and uncomplicated solution. Evidence that the requirements are complied with, can be given through the following system certifications:

VERT (Verification of Emission Reduction Technologies - Swiss standards) FAD (Förderkreis Exhaust Aftertreatment Technologies for Diesel Engines) UNECE - Guideline 132 for Retrofit Systems (REC Guideline Level 1, Class 1 and 2)

When filming in a public green area, a permit from the responsible green areas office is also required. Please see Filming in public green spaces.

For filming at night (10pm to 6am) as well as for filming on Sundays and public holidays, a permit is required from the responsible environmental office in the district of the location. Please see filming in protection periods.

In the state of Brandenburg, the general filming permit is issued by the respective local traffic authority of the district, to which the application for a single filming permit is submitted. There is no general permission beyond the actual filming as is the case in Berlin.

The prerequisite for the application for individual approval is the proof of production liability insurance for the project and the declaration of exemption. (in German only)

The required special use permit for roads according to §46 (1) StVO is issued by the responsible local traffic authority of the respective district, county borough or city of the filming location. The application must be made at least 14 days before filming begins. An administrative fee is charged, which is based on the actual effort of the authority and is specified in the fee schedule for activities relating to road traffic.

The authorisation is subject to additional conditions:

• The location is to be reserved with the appropriate signage (ie. no stopping signs) and to be set up at least 96 hours before it starts to take effect. The time limitation and length of the prohibited section are to be limited to the absolutely necessary minimum.
• Contradictory signage must be covered.
• The sign must be removed immediately after completion.
• Technology must not be stored in the street.
• Coordination with other uses in the area is necessary and residents must be informed of the activity at least three days in advance.
• Pollution of the roads and surrounding areas due to filming must be removed immediately.
• If operations continue after 7pm, the requirements of the environmental department must be observed.

The respective district and local authorities are responsible for the approval of filming in the public space of the State of Brandenburg .