Driving in winter: High fines threaten
Created: 11/18/2022, 9:30 am
By: Simon Mones
Drivers have to follow a few rules in winter when it comes to winter tyres, ice scrapers and the like.
Those who do not comply risk high fines.
When temperatures drop in winter, one thing threatens above all: ice and snow.
This has direct consequences for motorists: For example, winter tires or all-weather tires must be fitted.
In addition, the car must be cleared of ice and snow.
But what are the penalties if these – and other – rules are not observed?
Driving in winter: High fines threaten
In Germany, however, winter tires are only compulsory on a situational basis.
This means that winter tires must be fitted in wintry conditions such as frost and ice, snow, slush and black ice.
It doesn't matter whether it's December or April.
The rule of thumb says: "From O to O!" So from October to Easter.
However, if it is dry in December, drivers can also drive with summer tires in winter.
However, winter tires are the safer choice at temperatures of +7 degrees, as reported by
t-online.de
.
In winter, drivers have to pay attention to a few things.
© Zuma Press/Imago
If you still drive on summer tires in wintry weather, you risk a fine of 60 euros and a point in the traffic offender file in Flensburg.
If other cars are obstructed, even 80 euros are due.
If you endanger other road users, the fine increases to 100 euros.
If the driver and owner are not identical, the owner of the car also collects a point in Flensburg and a fine of 75 euros.
There is also a risk of trouble with the insurance company.
Driving in winter: Snow and ice must be thoroughly removed
Another problem in winter is frozen windows.
Clearing large areas of ice and snow is tiresome, which is why some drivers only expose one window and let the heating do the rest.
Incidentally, headlights, indicators and taillights must also be uncovered.
Anyone who fails to do so risks a fine of ten euros.
A snow-covered number plate costs five euros.
Catalog of fines: what fines traffic offenders have to reckon with
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Snow on the roof or the bonnet is also often left behind or forgotten.
But this should also be eliminated, as it can become a source of danger when braking.
In addition, it can blow off the roof while driving and block the view of the person behind.
And leftover snow also leaves a big hole in your wallet.
There is a risk of a fine of 25 euros.
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Driving in winter: Warming up the engine is expensive
However, it is a little more expensive if you let the engine warm up while you scrape the windows outside.
This is not only forbidden, but also causes unnecessary noise and harms the environment.
Accordingly, drivers face a fine of up to 80 euros.
In rain, snow and fog, the daytime running lights are no longer sufficient because only the headlights are lit.
This makes it difficult for the person behind you to see you.
Dipped headlights are therefore mandatory when visibility is poor.
Anyone who forgets to do so faces a fine of 60 euros outside of town and a point in Flensburg.
In town you pay 25 euros.
Driving in winter: Make sure you have the right number plate
And you should also pay close attention to the number plate in winter.
Because: Classic cars, mobile homes and motorcycles are often only permitted with seasonal license plates.
The insurance cover is also only valid for the period stated on the license plate.
You can find even more exciting car topics in the free newsletter from our partner 24auto.de.
Depending on the period stated on the number plate, they may no longer be driven or parked on public roads in winter.
Anyone who does not comply risks a fine of 50 or 40 euros.
If an accident occurs, the consequences are even more dramatic.
