- Judicial Decision: No Exception Granted for Driving with a Full-Face Veil
The petition for exemption from the prohibition on wearing a facial covering while driving, made by a woman adhering to Muslim faith, has been denied by the Higher Administrative Court in Koblenz. This decision aligns with a previous ruling by the Administrative Court in Neustadt an der Weinstraße.
The woman argued that her religious beliefs necessitate wearing a full-face veil (niqab), which leaves only the eye area exposed. However, drivers are prohibited from concealing their face in a manner that impedes recognition. Consequently, she sought a permit for exemption from the Rhineland-Palatinate Mobility Authority. Following the rejection of her application, she lodged an objection and eventually took legal action against the authority; nevertheless, she was unsuccessful.
Proportional infringement upon religious freedom, according to the court
The Higher Administrative Court has now upheld that the infringement upon religious freedom caused by the face-veiling ban is "admissible under constitutional grounds and, specifically, proportionate." The objective of this regulation is to maintain road safety and safeguard other motorists by restricting, for instance, visibility issues during driving.
Additionally, the ruling does not impair the applicant's ability to practice her faith directly, the court stated. Alternative modes of transportation, such as buses and trains, or motorcycles, are available to her. The prohibition against wearing a facial covering does not apply to motorcycles, provided that helmets are mandatory.
The woman initially appealed against the decision at the [The Court of First Instance], but her request was also denied. The face-veil ban, as upheld by multiple courts, is considered a necessary restriction to ensure road safety and protect other motorists.
