- Potential Fine Up to 10,000 Euros: Always Avoid Leaving This in Your Vehicle
Crucial vehicle necessities deciphered: In Germany, motorists must keep a valid driver's license, the car registration certificate (avoid the letter version!), documents for vehicle alterations, a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest, and an up-to-date, unexpired first aid kit. Failure to comply during a police inspection might result in minor, irritating penalties.
However, things get costlier if you transport prohibited items within your automobile. The ADAC reminds us of this in a succinct video. The video is short mainly because there's not much to discuss.
A knife tucked in your glove box may cost you dearly
The moment you unsafely carry certain knives in your vehicle - "unsafely" means easily accessible - you're violating the Weapons Act, as per an ADAC legal expert. A knife would be considered easily accessible, for instance, if it were kept in the glove compartment.
According to the ADAC, one-handed knives and blades longer than 12 centimeters, alongside softair pistols, are classified as prohibited weapons. Regular pocket knives generally aren't a cause for concern since their blades typically measure around seven centimeters.
You are particularly at risk of falling into the "one-handed knife trap". These are knives with a pin aid in the blade's middle and a lockable blade. Others have holes in the blade or a flipper. The blade length isn't significant with such knives. Some manufacturers permit the blade pin's removal. However, whether removing the aids is sufficient to legally carry the knife isn't clearly defined, and it doesn't alter the worst-case penalty.
Therefore, carry such a knife only if you have a "legitimate interest". According to law, this arises "especially when the object's carriage is related to occupation, customs maintenance, sport, or an accepted purpose." If you must transport it but don't have such a "legitimate interest", the knife must be kept in a lockable container. What exactly this is can sometimes be subject to interpretation.
What else should you keep out of your automobile
Other things to avoid transporting within your vehicle include hazardous substances like explosives and a large number of fireworks, massive fuel quantities beyond the tank, specific chemicals, firearms, unsecured animals, and generally, items that reduce visibility or safety, such as large wooden planks spread across the vehicle.
Remember, the ADAC states that "police are not allowed to search the car or open doors or reach into the vehicle during general traffic control" unless there's an immediate danger or a search warrant. Therefore, you can refuse the inspection. However, such refusal may result in additional police measures.
In Germany, if you're planning to travel, ensure to leave prohibited items like one-handed knives with blades longer than 12 centimeters and softair pistols at home, as they're classified as prohibited weapons. This is crucial information provided by the ADAC.
If you're a resident of Germany or are visiting, it's essential to know that transporting items like hazardous substances, firearms, and large quantities of fuel beyond the tank is also prohibited within vehicles. The ADAC emphasizes the importance of keeping your vehicle free from such items for safety reasons.
