in the city centre. The § 16 BOStrab defines the legal types of trackbed: : Street running trackbed (""): :: These tramways are running directly along public streets, without any separation which makes them subject to rules of the road as automobiles. As such the streetcars need to be equipped with mirrors and blinkers. : Exclusive Trackbed (""): :: The tramway is part of the urban traffic structure but its railroads are separated from other traffic by an embankment, trees or curbs giving them an exclusive right of way. There may be
railroad crossings marked with signs or traffic lights that regulate the access. : Independent Trackbed (""): :: The railway is independent of the urban traffic structure which in most cases has the railroad trackbed grade-separated in the city. The law allows level crossing as they are common outside of the city centre. If the tramway is street running or the crossings of the exclusive trackbed do not fit in the scope of § 20 BOStrab then tramways are limited to a maximum length of and a maximum width of . Current eligibility criteria define that federal funding for railroads is only permitted for sections that have a trackbed that is at least exclusive. == See also ==