As of: January 30, 2024, 4:30 p.m
By: Sebastian Oppenheimer
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Costumes are part of carnival - but not everything is allowed behind the wheel.
What else drivers should pay attention to in these “foolish times”.
Whether it's called carnival, carnival or carnival - the “fifth season” is celebrated nationwide.
The carnival usually reaches its climax on Rose Monday.
But even during the “foolish times,” drivers should not forget the rules that are essential for safe driving.
Because: There is no freedom from fools on the streets - and the police are increasing their presence in many places to ensure that revelers and road users are equally safe on the road.
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Disguise behind the wheel – a risky game
While it may be tempting to keep the celebratory mood in the car, drivers should be careful that their panels don't obstruct visibility or restrict their freedom of movement behind the wheel.
Masks that impair the field of vision are taboo, as are costumes that make it difficult to operate the vehicle elements - for example, slippery gloves or clown shoes that are too big.
A clear overview of the road and safe steering are the top priority at all times.
According to
ADAC
, you face a 60 euro fine if you don't comply.
Although there are no exact regulations in Germany as to what is permitted behind the wheel when it comes to footwear, there can still be a lot of trouble, especially in the event of an accident.
If it later turns out that the crash could have been prevented with suitable shoes, it may happen that the fully comprehensive insurance does not fully cover the damage to your own car or may even refuse to pay outright.
Likewise, according to the Auto Club Europa (ACE)
, it is
essential that drivers are identifiable for traffic monitoring.
According to the automobile club, make-up and cardboard noses are generally not a problem - for safety reasons, the
ACE
still recommends that you don't put on costumes until you reach your destination or that you use transport services to get there in costume.
Alcohol controls – even in the fifth season
Carnival and alcoholic drinks often go hand in hand.
Alcohol is still taboo behind the wheel.
The police usually carry out increased alcohol checks during carnival to ensure safety on the streets.
A blood alcohol level that is too high can not only cost you your driver's license, but can also lead to accidents and serious injuries.
If you want to celebrate, you should use alternative means of transport such as taxis or public transport.
Anyone caught behind the wheel with more than 0.5 per mille of alcohol in their blood must expect at least a 500 euro fine, two points in Flensburg and a one-month driving ban.
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Costumes are part of carnival - there can be problems behind the wheel.
(Symbolic image) © YAY Images/Imago
You shouldn't exceed this per mille limit: as little as 0.3 per mille can cause serious trouble if you drive conspicuously or have an accident.
If the offense of drunk driving (§316 StGB) is met, a driving ban and a fine can result.
Anyone who is caught with more than 1.6 per mille must first successfully complete the medical-psychological examination (MPU) before they can get their driving license.
If a person shows certain abnormalities, an MPU can be ordered even if the blood alcohol level is lower.
The so-called “residual alcohol” is also often underestimated by drivers: the morning after the party, you should use public transport to be on the safe side if you drank deeply the night before.
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Beware of vandalism – park your car safely
The disinhibiting effect of alcohol is well known - and that doesn't just have positive consequences.
Some partygoers sometimes become cocky or aggressive and take it out on cars.
Dents, scratches or broken windows can be the result of vandalism.
That's why you should park your car in a protected place on the "party-intensive" days, especially in the carnival strongholds.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at his own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.