Motorists are threatened with fines for transporting the Christmas tree - many are clueless
Created: 07/12/2022 15:04
By: Nadja Pohr
Anyone who has found the perfect Christmas tree must pay attention to a few regulations when transporting it.
© Dumitru Doru/dpa
If you transport your Christmas tree by car, you have to pay attention to a few things, otherwise you could face a fine.
Above all, security plays an important role.
Stuttgart - For many Germans, the Christmas tree is of course part of Christmas.
Meanwhile, some tend to an artificial tree - after all, it makes less mess and can be easily stowed away.
However, there are good reasons for a real Christmas tree.
For some it is a kind of tradition to fell the tree yourself or to sell it.
But it also beautifies the living room and creates a contemplative atmosphere in the run-up to Christmas.
Once the perfect tree has been found, it can either be strapped to the roof, placed in the trunk or, if available, in a car trailer for transport.
However, there are some regulations for the transport of the Christmas tree that should be observed.
Because what many do not know: If the wrong transport is carried out, drivers can even be fined.
Similarly, SUV drivers face fines when driving on the freeway - and many are clueless.
Motorists face fines if they transport the Christmas tree incorrectly
If you pick up your Christmas tree by car, you should definitely find out about the depth of the trunk, for example.
This could be decisive in terms of how big the tree can be in the end.
For journeys of less than 100 kilometers, a maximum of three meters is permitted in Germany, which may protrude from the trunk.
For longer distances, it may only be 1.5 meters, as reported
by 24auto.de
.
It is important that motorists must mark the tree with a red flag if it is over one meter long.
This warning sign must be at least 30 by 30 centimeters in size and have a crossbar that separates the flag.
A fine of 25 euros can be imposed for missing or improper labeling.
If the Christmas tree is transported on the roof, there are also a few things to consider.
The tree must be fixed to the car in such a way that it cannot slip or come loose when cornering or braking hard.
Because even at around 30 km/h, the load can become a dangerous projectile.
Tension straps that can be attached to the roof rails or a roof rack are best suited for fastening.
If a police check determines that the tree is not adequately secured and endangers others, there is a risk of a fine of 60 to 75 euros and a point in Flensburg.
Tips and tricks for the correct transport of the Christmas tree
It is best not to restrict the driver's view or cover license plates, headlights, indicators and taillights.
When transporting in the trunk, it is often sufficient if the rear seat and, if necessary, the front passenger seat backrest are folded down.
If there is still not enough space and the tree has to be transported with excess length, it is also a good idea to fix the tailgate to prevent it from opening completely while driving.
It is best to push the Christmas tree trunk first into the trolley and fix it.
At best, the tree is wrapped in a net by the seller - this not only makes loading and unloading easier, but also reduces dirt from needles.
The net also has advantages when the Christmas tree is transported on the roof.
As a result, the wind does not get caught in the branches so easily and also protects them from breaking off.
To protect the interior or the roof from scratches, it is advisable to put a blanket under the Christmas tree.