Tuning trends in a global comparison: What is taboo in Germany!

Thomas Wachsmuth 11 November 2023 Test sites, laws, offenses, information

Reading time 5 Min.

When it comes to car tuning, there is an incredible variety of customization options that car fans around the world can make to their vehicles. While some modifications are completely normal in different countries, in Germany they can quickly lead to problems with the law. In this article we take a look Tuning measures, which are banned in Germany or at least very difficult to register, but do not really cause problems in other countries.

Front side windows tinted

Let's start with the Front side window tinting. In Germany it is not allowed to tint the front side windows and the windscreen as this can impair the driver's visibility and therefore pose a safety risk. However, in countries such as the USA, such tints are widespread and often have only minor restrictions on tint strength.

Remote engine start and warm up

In Germany it is Remote engine start (Remote start function) – a popular feature in cold climates to preheat the vehicle – not allowed. In contrast, in countries such as Canada and the USA, it is quite common to start the engine by remote control, primarily in winter, to start the car to warm upbefore you get in.

Audible confirmation when locking

The Audible confirmation when locking the vehicle - often as "chirp“Function known – is not permitted in Germany. The function, which is standard in many other countries, especially in the USA, is used in Germany as unnecessary noise pollution angesehen.

Lighting modifications

The differences are also interesting Modifications to the lighting. In Germany the rules for vehicle lighting are very strict. Changes like colored LED strip, Unterbodenbeleuchtung or flashing brake lights are generally not permitted. However, in other countries, such as Japan, such modifications are an integral part of tuning culture.

Performance-enhancing modifications

On the topic performance-enhancing modifications Germany is also much stricter. Measures like that Removal of catalysts or modifications to the exhaust system, which are common in some countries such as the USA, are strictly prohibited in Germany as they affect the vehicle's emission levels.

Lowering and chassis

The Lowering and chassis modifications are another area where Germany has stricter regulations. While in countries like the USA or Australia an extreme Lowering, Camber conversions etc. is allowed, strict safety and TÜV regulations must be adhered to in Germany.

Volume adjustments

The volume The exhaust system is also an important point. In Germany there are strict regulations regarding the noise generated by vehicles. In other countries, such as in some Asian regions, loud exhaust systems widespread and considered a status symbol.

Customized license plates

An interesting example are also customized license plates. While in Germany the license plate system is relatively strict and leaves little room for personalization (Keyword License plate sticker), custom license plates with personal messages or names can be purchased in countries such as the USA, Great Britain or Australia. Sticking is also permitted in a few countries.

Window films and stickers

The Window films and stickers there are also clear differences. In Germany, care must be taken to ensure that these modifications do not impair the driver's view and do not show any offensive content. However, in many other countries, such as the USA, such decorations are more common and sometimes significantly less regulated.

Racing Modifications

Finally are Racing Modifications like removing seats (stripping), adding roll cages or changing the vehicle structure in Germany is only permitted under very strict conditions. In countries where racing cultures are more firmly anchored, such as Great Britain or Japan, such modifications are more common and sometimes less strictly regulated.

And finally ... Overall, it shows that car tuning is going strong in Germany Safety and environmental aspects is characterized, while in other countries more freedom is often granted with regard to individual tuning adjustments. The differences reflect the cultural and legal framework of the respective countries and provide an exciting – for us sometimes very sad ones – Perspective on the global tuning culture.

Tuning in Germany, what is forbidden but allowed in other countries?

Front side window tinting: Allowed in many countries, but banned in Germany.
Remote engine start systems: Common in countries like the USA, not permitted in Germany.
Chirp function when locking: Standard in the USA, banned in Germany due to noise regulations.
Colored LED lighting: Popular in countries like Japan, subject to strict regulations in Germany.
Unterbodenbeleuchtung: A popular tuning element in some countries, but mostly banned in Germany.
Flashing brake lights: Allowed in some countries, but not permitted in Germany.
Removal of catalysts: Partially permitted in the USA, strictly prohibited in Germany.
Extreme chassis lowering: Popular in countries like Australia, only permitted to a limited extent in Germany.
Loud exhaust systems: Often seen in Asian countries, but subject to strict noise regulations in Germany.
Personalized license plates: Available in many countries, but very limited in Germany.
Big spoilers and body kits: Popular in countries like the USA, often restricted by TÜV regulations in Germany.
Window films with patterns or advertising: Widely used in the USA, in Germany only permitted under certain conditions.
Racing modifications such as roll cages: More common in Great Britain and Japan, in Germany only with special permits.
Engine performance increase without TÜV approval: Possible in some countries, strictly regulated in Germany.
Horns with melodies or sound effects: Common in some countries as a fun element, not permitted in Germany.
Wheels that protrude beyond the body: Common for off-road vehicles in the USA, banned in Germany.
Use of racing tires on public roads: Tolerated in some countries, banned in Germany due to safety regulations.
Dark tint for the taillights: Popular in some countries, often banned in Germany for security reasons.
Use of neon tubes in vehicle interiors: A trend in the USA, but often banned in Germany due to the risk of distraction.
Changes to safety systems such as airbags: Possible in some countries, but strictly regulated in Germany.
Installation of non-approved seat types: Popular in the USA and Japan, but not permitted in Germany without TÜV approval.
Modification of headlights to non-standard colors: Common in some countries, but banned in Germany.
Removal or modification of silencers: Made for performance purposes in some countries, illegal in Germany.
Use of non-approved trailer couplings: Possible in some countries without special approval, prohibited in Germany.

That wasn't it yet.

Planned changes to the law, traffic violations, current regulations in the area of the STVO, etc.? You can find everything about this in the category "Test sites, laws, offenses, information".