- Potential Penalty of up to 10,000 Euros: Always Avoid Leaving This in Your Vehicle
Here's the breakdown of car essentials in Germany: If you're cruising around Germany behind the wheel, you've gotta have some essentials on board. Mandatory gear includes a legitimate driver's license, your vehicle's registration papers (not the letter itself), documents for any vehicle modifications, a safety triangle, a bright vest, and a fully-stocked, up-to-date first aid kit. Don't skimp on these necessities, or you might face some small but irritating fines during a cops' stop-and-check.
But watch out when carrying certain items in your ride, as failing to comply with these regulations can get costly. The ADAC sheds some light on this in a straightforward video. The reason? It's not just about the items you should or shouldn't have, but also how and where you store them.
A blade tucked safely in the glovebox might set you back some cash
See, when carrying certain kinds of blades in an easily accessible spot, such as the glovebox, you're actually breaking the Weapons Act, as per advice from an ADAC lawyer. The term "easily accessible" refers to blades tucked away in places that can be quickly grabbed or drawn out.
According to the ADAC, one-handed blades and those with a blade longer than 12 centimeters fall under this prohibition. Softair pistols are also part of this category. Don't worry, regular pocket knives are generally safe to carry, as the typical blade length is usually around 7 centimeters.
Be cautious when carrying folding knives, though, as certain models can easily meet the criteria for "one-handed knives." These are the types with a built-in pin to help open the blade, or even models with holes along the blade or a flipper, regardless of the blade length. Some manufacturers even allow the removal of the pin. The legality of carrying such a knife after removing the pin, however, isn't clearly defined, and in the worst-case scenario, will still result in penalties.
So, carry these types of knives only if you have a solid reason called "legitimate interest." According to the law, such a reason arises when carrying the item is connected to your profession, cultural preservation, sports, or any generally recognized cause. If you're transporting it but lack such a "legitimate interest," secure it in a lockable container. However, defining what exactly counts as a lockable container can be open to interpretation in certain situations.
What other items should you steer clear of?
Keep other threatening substances out of your car, such as explosives, many fireworks, large fuel containers outside the tank, some chemicals, firearms, unsecured pets, and anything that obstructs your visibility or safety, like large wooden planks covering your car.
Crucial information: The ADAC also informs us that police officers aren't allowed to search your car, open doors, or reach inside during a regular traffic check unless there's imminent danger or a search warrant is present. Thoughtfully, you can reject the check, yet, this refusal might prompt further police involvement.
In Germany, carrying certain types of knives, such as one-handed blades or those with a blade longer than 12 centimeters, in easily accessible places like the glovebox, can lead to fines due to violations of the Weapons Act. Regular pocket knives with a typical blade length of around 7 centimeters are generally safe to carry.
Remember, if you're traveling with potentially problematic items like explosives, unsecured pets, or large wooden planks covering your car, it's best to avoid Germany or ensure they are safely stored and comply with local regulations to avoid any legal issues during traffic checks.
