New rules for motorists This will change in 2025

Driver's license exchange

Anyone born between 1971 and 1998 who still has a pink or gray driver's license must exchange it for a credit card driver's license by January 19, 2025. This costs 25 euros and the new driver's license is valid for 15 years. Failure to comply with this may result in a fine of 10 euros, which may be charged again if the new driver's license is not presented in time.

Main inspection (HU)

Vehicles that have an orange sticker on their license plate will have to undergo a general inspection in 2025. Successfully tested vehicles receive a yellow sticker and must be presented again in 2027. If the deadline is exceeded by more than two months, fines of between 15 and 60 euros may be imposed, depending on the duration of the delay.

Car insurance

In 2025, the type and regional classes for motor insurance will change. Around 12 million motorists are affected: While 7.1 million have to pay higher premiums, 5.1 million benefit from more favourable classifications. The regional classes also affect numerous motorists, 4.7 million benefit, while 9.4 million have to reckon with higher contributions.

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Fuel prices and CO₂ tax

The next stage of the CO₂ tax will come into force from 1 January 2025. The price per ton will rise from 45 to 55 euros, which will also affect fuel prices. Gasoline will be about 15.7 cents more expensive and diesel 17.3 cents per liter.

Winter tire

Since October 2024, only winter and all-season tyres with the Alpine symbol may be used in winter conditions. Older tyres with the "M+S" marking will then no longer be allowed.

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Tolls and vignettes

For journeys to Austria and Switzerland, new vignettes will apply from December 2024. The prices for the annual vignette in Austria are just under 96.40 euros for cars and 38.20 euros for motorcycles. A new daily vignette will cost 8.60 euros. The Swiss vignette still costs 40 francs, but there is also a digital version.

Travel to the United Kingdom

From 2 April 2025, an electronic entry permit (ETA) will be mandatory for travellers from the EU to the UK. The cost of the application is around 11.85 euros, and approval can be applied for online or via an app.

GHG quota for electric cars

Electric car owners will also be able to sell GHG certificates in 2025. The amount of the payout varies and is not subject to income tax for private individuals as long as the vehicle is not part of the business assets. The deadline for applying for certificates for 2025 is 7 November.

• What is the GHG quota?

Gas testing for motorhomes

From 19 June 2025, motorhomes and caravans will be required to inspect the liquefied gas systems. This must be repeated every two years. If the deadline is exceeded, fines of up to 60 euros can be due.

Assistance systems mandatory in new cars

In a further step towards increasing road safety, various assistance systems have been mandatory in all newly registered passenger cars in Germany since 7 July 2024. These include systems such as automatic emergency braking assist, lane departure warning and intelligent speed assist. A reversing assistant, a turning assistant, a collision warning system and a black box for event-related data recording in the event of accidents are also mandatory.

• Active Lane Keeping Assist

• Black box (accident data recorder)

• Intelligent speed assistant

• Head impact protection

• Fatigue detection

• Emergency Brake Assist

• Emergency brake light

• Reversing assistant

The measure follows an EU regulation and has already applied to newly developed cars since July 6, 2022. Since July 7, 2024, they must be present in all newly registered passenger cars. Current vehicles do not have to retrofit these systems as things stand at present.