Many rules and regulations change at the turn of the year at the earliest, including for drivers, of course.
BILD has the most important changes for the new year:
Fuel prices
The fuel prices are a tiresome topic, especially since they only knew one direction recently – upwards. That won’t change for the time being either, because CO will rise on January 1st2-Price from 25 to 30 euros per ton of carbon dioxide.
The fuel prices will also suffer from an increased CO2 tax in the next year
Unlike a year ago, the increase is more moderate at “only” around 1.5 cents per liter of petrol or diesel; the introduction of the CO2Price at the beginning of 2021 increased the price of fuel by seven to eight cents.
Too bad: The commuter allowance, which will also be increased in 2021 from the 21st kilometer, remains the same for the time being, it is 35 cents per kilometer.
New plug-in promotion
The environmental bonus for plug-in hybrids is controversial, but will remain in place for the time being. But: From January onwards, only part-time electricity providers who can cover at least 60 kilometers electrically will be subsidized.
So far it’s 40 kilometers or the car has a CO2-Emissions below 50 g / km; the CO2-Border remains for the time being, but should be removed in the course of the year.
Part-time electricity users will have to offer more electric range for subsidies in the future
More rights for buyers
At the New or used vehicle purchase So far, the following applies: If a defect occurs in the first six months after purchase, it can be assumed that it already existed at the time of delivery. It is then up to the seller to prove otherwise.
This reversal of the burden of proof will be extended to twelve months from January 1st. Thereafter, the buyer must still prove that the defect existed before the purchase.
The reversal of the burden of proof is extended from six to twelve months – an advantage for all private buyers
More driving assistants
From July 2022, all newly approved vehicle types must be equipped with additional assistants. This includes the intelligent speed assistant (ISA), which warns the driver if he is too fast. Drowsiness warnings, emergency brake assist, emergency lane departure warning and the emergency brake light with flashing brake lights are also compulsory.
And: All new cars get a black box that saves data before and after a crash, as well as an interface that enables the installation of an immobilizer with an alcohol test.
Driving assistants: Among other things, the emergency brake assist will be mandatory for new vehicle types from July
Mask requirement
Planned but not yet implemented: a mask requirement in the car. Two face masks then have to be carried in the first-aid kit – even after the pandemic. Anyone who violates this will likely face a fine of five euros in the event of an inspection. Owners who leave their incompletely equipped car to other drivers face a fine of ten euros. It is still uncertain when the mask requirement will come into force. It should come with the next change in the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), in any case before the end of 2022.
Note: In an earlier version it was stated that the mask requirement would apply from January 1st.
You can read more exciting auto topics in the current issue of AUTO BILD