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What are the most popular car modifications in Germany, and how do they differ from those in other European countries?
In Germany, car modifications must adhere to strict regulations outlined in the Straßenverkehrszulassungsordnung (StVZO), and require TÜV (Technische Prüfstelle) permits.
Colored headlights and underglow lights are generally not permitted in Germany, unlike in some other countries where these modifications are more common.
Performance-enhancing modifications in Germany, including racing mods like removing seats or adding roll cages, are heavily regulated and require specific conditions to be met.
Neglecting legal requirements for car modifications in Germany may result in confiscation of the car and driver's license, regardless of whether the driver is a local or a foreigner.
Students studying in Germany should be particularly cautious of car modification laws if they plan to bring a modified car from their home country.
Tuning cars illegally in Germany can lead to fines and even legal consequences, so it's essential to adhere to legal requirements.
Unlike some other countries, German law requires that tinted windows must allow more than 70% light transmittance, to ensure driver visibility and safety.
Loud exhaust systems can result in fines in Germany, as local noise regulations prioritize peaceful and quiet urban environments.
Lowering the suspension of a car is only allowed in Germany if the car can still clear obstacles of at least 11 cm while traveling at up to 30 km/h (about 18.6 mph).
Installing tinted window films or applying tinted spray on windows in Germany requires a special permission, and the tint cannot be darker than 50% light transmittance.
While car wraps are legally accepted in Germany, certain colors e.g.
orange, blue, and purple may be restricted depending on the particular vehicle application.
Roof boxes, bicycle racks, and other external car accessories in Germany must not extend more than 4 meters (13.12 feet) in length, or exceed 4m² in frontal area.
Car modifications that alter or remove the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) are forbidden in Germany and will result in confiscation of the car.
Converting gasoline cars to run on natural gas or propane without proper documentation and inspections is illegal in Germany.
In Germany, installing radar detectors in cars is forbidden, and their possession, use, and distribution are considered criminal offenses.
German regulations require the fitting of winter tires or all-season tires with the M+S (Matsch und Schnee) symbol on at least two drive wheels from October 1st to April 30th, or if road conditions demand it.
Germany enforces strict emissions regulations, with Euro 6 standards being the most recent and applicable for most vehicles (as of 2021).
Vehicle scrapyards in Germany must adhere to strict recycling and disposal guidelines as per the ElektroG and BatterieG laws, promoting environmentally friendly practices.
German traffic regulations allow for the use of adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems but require drivers to always maintain control of the vehicle.
Autonomous self-driving cars, permitted in more developed stages, require a human safety driver to take control in specific conditions, as outlined in the Autonomous Driving Act of 2021.
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