ADAC warns: What are the things that should not be transported in the car
Even if you are not speeding and your car is in good technical condition, a police inspection can lead to serious consequences. There are things that must be present in the car while driving in Germany, and others that can lead to hefty fines if caught.
Among the mandatory items that every driver must carry in their car are: a valid driver's license, vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugschein), documents of any modifications made to the car if applicable, a warning triangle, a safety vest, and an unexpired first aid kit. Failure to comply with these requirements results in minor but annoying fines.
However, the matter becomes more dangerous and costly when transporting legally prohibited tools, such as certain types of knives. According to a warning from ADAC, having an unsecured knife inside the car – within reach like the glove compartment – constitutes a violation of weapon laws, even if you do not intend to use it.
These prohibited tools include all knives that can be opened with one hand (Einhandmesser) or that have a fixed blade longer than 12 centimeters. Also, Softair guns are considered part of this category. However, traditional small knives like multi-purpose pocket knives are often legal because their blades usually do not exceed seven centimeters.
It is easy for a person to fall into the trap of a "one-handed opening knife," which is often distinguished by the presence of a button or an opening that facilitates one-handed opening, and may have a blade lock. Some manufacturers allow the removal of the opening mechanism, but this does not necessarily mean that the knife becomes legal, and it may not exempt you from punishment.
The law allows carrying such knives only if you have a "justified interest" for it, such as using them for work, traditions, sports, or for a generally recognized purpose. If they must be transported without a justified interest, they must be in a tightly sealed container – which may be subject to interpretation on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to knives, there are other things that should not be transported in the car: hazardous materials such as explosives, large quantities of fireworks, fuel outside the tank, certain chemicals, firearms, unsecured animals, or items that may affect visibility or safety such as large pieces of wood extending across the car.
It is also important to note that the police, in the absence of an immediate threat or a formal search warrant, do not have the right to search the vehicle, open its doors, or reach inside during a routine traffic stop. Although you can legally refuse this, such a refusal may lead to escalation and additional measures by the police.