CO2 tax increases The CO2 tax on fuels introduced at the beginning of 2021 will continue to rise in 2024 – and that will increase the price of gasoline. The previously applicable fixed price for CO2 emissions will climb from 30 euros to 40 euros per ton. Last year, an increase in the levy was suspended due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the subsequent turbulence on the energy market. Motor vehicle insurance From 2024 there will be changed type class classifications again. Around 13 million drivers are affected. More than half of them get higher classifications, the rest benefit. There are also changes in the regional classes.
Sales of electric cars in Germany have plummeted since September 2023. In November, for example, almost 45,000 electric vehicles were newly registered – almost a quarter fewer than in the same month last year. A main reason for this is likely to be the expiry of the funding for commercial electric cars at the end of August. Since then, funding has only been available to private individuals. Next year the funding will be further reduced. From January 1st there will only be 3,000 euros for electric cars with a net list price of 45,000 euros. There is no longer any subsidy for electric cars, which are more expensive. The funding program for private charging stations with solar power, however, will enter its second round in 2024: The development bank KfW will launch a new program with 200 million euros in 2024.
The big exchange continues. Drivers born between 1965 and 1979 must exchange their driving licenses for the EU credit card document by January 19, 2024. The driving license usually remains as before, but the validity of the new driving license is limited to 15 years. The exchange costs 25 euros. If you don’t exchange on time, you risk a fine of ten euros. There are higher test fees for new drivers. Green sticker must go to HU Color change on the license plate: Anyone who has a green TÜV sticker stuck there will have to go for a general inspection in 2024. The new color if the examination is passed: blue.
From July 7, 2024, all newly registered cars must have a number of additional assistance systems on board as standard. For example, similar to an airplane, a black box must be installed that records “event-related” driving data and can be evaluated in the event of an accident. New cars must also have an emergency braking assistant and an intelligent speed assistant. An “emergency brake light” is intended to warn following traffic in the event of heavy braking by lighting up the brake lights and hazard warning lights at the same time. Also standard in the future: a “reversing assistant” that provides the driver with information about what is behind the car.
The Euro 6e emissions standard has been in effect since September for type approval of new model series. From September 2024, the standard will also apply to all first registrations. The aim of Euro 6e is to bring the emissions values measured on a test bench into closer agreement with the values measured in real driving.
From October 32024, only tires that have the “Alpine” symbol (snowflake and mountain) on the side may be installed on the rims. The winter and all-season tires fulfill what the legislator calls “situational winter tire requirements”. This means: There is no general requirement to have winter tires in the cold season. But as soon as there are winter conditions on the road, the car must have winter tires on it. Tires that have an M S symbol are no longer sufficient.
A new treaty between Switzerland and Germany will come into force in 2024. Anyone who is caught speeding in the Alpine republic or even parks incorrectly must expect that the Swiss fines will then be collected by the German authorities. However, the fine must be more than 80 francs. Given the hefty penalties in Switzerland, this can be achieved quickly. For example, if you drive six to ten km/h too fast in urban areas, you will have to pay 120 Swiss francs.
Before elections are held in the European Union in June 2024, the EU wants to implement various legislative procedures – although no one yet knows whether or how they will come about. One of the projects is to revise the driving license rules. Regular renewal of driving licenses is being discussed. A better flow of information for the cross-border prosecution of relevant traffic violations is planned and that driving bans imposed abroad after speeding should apply throughout the EU.
