From stricter penalties to mandatory license replacements, the new year brings significant changes for drivers in Germany. Here’s what you need to know…

Traffic laws in Germany can be complex, and the turn of the year often comes with a long list of obligations for motorists, from renewing car insurance to switching to winter tires.

This year, there’s even more to remember as a host of new regulations come into effect, including stricter penalties for driving offenses that will apply across the entire EU.

We’ve gathered the most important updates to keep you well-prepared as a driver in Germany in 2025.

Mandatory Driving License Replacement

January 19 marks the official end of red and green paper driving licenses in Germany.
If you still have one, you must replace it by this date to avoid a fine.

The only exception applies to those born before 1953; everyone else must act quickly to comply with the new regulation.

Increase in CO₂ Tax

Germany’s CO₂ tax, designed to reduce carbon emissions, will rise in the new year.

In this next phase, the tax will increase from €45 per ton of CO₂ to €55 per ton.

This will add about three cents per liter to gasoline and diesel prices from January 1, so don’t be surprised if you notice a slight increase at the pump.

Simplified Accident Reporting

Germany has strict laws on how drivers must behave in case of an accident.

Currently, if a driver causes damage to property—such as accidentally scratching another vehicle in a parking lot—they must stay at the scene until the affected party arrives.

Leaving the scene can be considered a serious criminal offense.

In 2025, the rules will change to allow drivers to leave the accident scene and report the incident at a nearby police station or via an online portal.

There is no fixed date for this change yet, but it is expected to take effect next year.

Mandatory Safety Inspections for Motorhomes

Starting June 19, all motorhomes and RVs with gas (LPG) systems must be inspected by an expert every two years.

For new motorhomes, the inspection must be conducted immediately to ensure the vehicle is safe to use.

The new rules aim to prevent accidents caused by gas systems used for heating, cooking, and cooling.

Introduction of Digital Driving Licenses

As Germany phases out old paper driving licenses, digital licenses will soon be introduced.

The EU’s Driving License Directive paves the way for new digital licenses across member states, reducing reliance on physical documents.

Germany still needs to incorporate this directive into national law after it is approved by the European Parliament, but when it does, it will bring a range of other important changes for drivers.

These include modifications to the probation period for new drivers, new regulations for theoretical driving tests, and an adjustment to the minimum age for truck and bus drivers in the EU.

However, plans for mandatory health checks for elderly drivers have been dropped.

Possible Increase in Insurance Premiums

According to the German automobile association ADAC, about 9.4 million drivers in 49 regions of Germany may face higher insurance premiums next year.

This is due to recent changes introduced by the German Insurance Association (GDV), which will adjust regional classifications for liability insurance in 108 districts across the country.

These classifications are used by insurance companies to calculate premiums.

However, around 4.7 million drivers in 59 regions could see their premiums decrease.

Urban drivers are more likely to experience increases, while rural drivers might benefit from lower rates.

Stricter Climate Standards for Motorcycles

Motorcyclists won’t be exempt from new regulations.

From January 1, new motorcycles must comply with the EU’s Euro Norm 5+ environmental standards.

This won’t affect motorcycles already on the road, and some smaller models may receive exceptions.

Stricter EU-Wide Traffic Penalties

In the borderless Schengen Zone, it was relatively easy for drivers to commit offenses in foreign countries and return home without facing consequences.

In early 2025, however, this loophole will close—with severe penalties across EU borders.

According to Bussgeldkatalog.de, a website tracking driving fines and penalties, drivers who commit the following offenses could have their licenses revoked in their home country:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding by more than 30 km/h in urban areas or over 50 km/h in rural areas
• Causing an accident with serious injuries or fatalities
• Fines for driving violations will also increase in France and Italy.

For example, in Italy, drivers caught using their phones while driving will face a €1,000 fine.

In France, 4,000 new AI-powered speed cameras will be installed to detect offenses like phone use and failure to wear a seatbelt.

Mandatory Highway Toll Sticker in Austria

From December, travelers heading to Austria will need to pay more than €100 for the new annual highway tax sticker.

This mandatory Vignette will now cost €103.80, up from €96.40.

Additionally, as of January 2025:

• The one-day vignette will increase from €8.60 to €9.30
• The ten-day vignette will increase from €11.50 to €12.40
• The two-month vignette will increase from €28.90 to €31.10

These price hikes apply to all vignette types.

Major Construction Projects on Key Austrian Highways

Starting January 1, Austria’s Brenner Autobahn, a major highway, will undergo significant construction work—potentially causing severe traffic disruptions for commuters and holiday travelers.

Due to renovations on the Lueg Bridge in the Wipptal Valley, only one lane will be available in each direction until 2030.

On high-traffic days (about 170 days per year), a two-lane flow system will be implemented to reduce congestion.

Meanwhile, on the Tauernautobahn A10 near Salzburg, major tunnel renovation work will cause delays until June 2025.

Five tunnels will be repaired simultaneously, leading to alternating lane closures and single-lane traffic in both directions.

New Electronic Travel Authorization for the UK

From April 2, 2025, the United Kingdom will introduce a new electronic authorization system for EU travelers.

This means that travelers heading to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland will need to complete an online application before traveling and carry proof of authorization along with a valid passport.

The online application portal will open on March 5, and applications will cost £10 (approximately €12), payable via debit or credit card.