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Don’t add tinted foils to the front windows of your vehicles, U.S. Army Europe officials warn, because they are not allowed in Germany.
“Our vehicle inspectors see this time after time,” said Dan Saavedra, policy advisor at the USAREUR Vehicle Registry. “Unfortunately, vehicle owners have to remove foils applied to the windshield or the two side (driver and front passenger) windows before their vehicle can pass inspection.”
Tinting that is an integral part of the window is good to go for all windows. Tinted foils on the rear windows of a car or van are not a problem, either.
“Many German companies that apply these foils believe that the tinting of front windows is legal for USAREUR-plated vehicles,” Mr. Saavedra explained. “So they will gladly perform this service for Americans, although they would never do it for German vehicles.”
He also pointed out that German police may pull over vehicles with front tinted windows, especially if the vehicle has German license plates and is not recognizable as a USAREUR-plated vehicle.
Mr. Saavedra also reminded USAREUR drivers that wheel spinners are not legal in Germany. These spinners are wheel covers which spin independently of the wheel even though the wheel has come to rest. Lights in a vehicle’s wheel wells and grill are banned, too.
He also stated that the maximum noise level for exhaust systems on all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, is 95 decibels with no variance allowed. USAREUR vehicle inspection points can measure the noise level to ensure drivers are in compliance.
Drivers who would like information on vehicle accessories that may be prohibited in Germany can call the registry’s customer service office at 386-7280 or 0621-718-7280.
