Tips for the Auto Year 2023

Exchange Driver's License

The driver's license exchange continues in 2023. Those born between 1959 and 1964 who still possess a pink or gray driver's license must exchange the document for a tamper-proof card driver's license by January 19, 2023. If caught with the old driver's license, a fine of ten euros may be imposed. In addition, you will have to present the exchanged driver's license to the police – otherwise, another fine will be issued. The new driver’s license is valid for 15 years and costs 25 euros.

“The large-scale driver's license exchange, which is being carried out successively according to birth years, affects around 15 million paper driver's licenses and 28 million card driver's licenses,” explains Christopher Lang.

Masks in the First-Aid Kit

Last year, the DIN standard for first-aid kits was changed. This includes, among other things, that two face masks (surgical masks) must be carried. A transitional period applies until January 31, 2023. Until then, old first-aid kits may continue to be sold and used. As things stand, there will also be no obligation to retrofit or replace old first-aid kits after that. A missing or incomplete first-aid kit costs a five-euro warning fee. If you let another owner use your vehicle without or with an incomplete first-aid kit, you will pay ten euros.

Inspection of HU Stickers

A glance at the license plate can protect against hefty fines. Those who have a pink "TÜV" sticker on their license plate must go for the main inspection in 2023. After a successful inspection, an orange sticker will be given. The vehicle must then be presented again in 2025. Missing the deadline can become expensive. If you are more than two months overdue, a fine of 15 euros will be imposed. For delays between two to eight months, the fine is 25 euros. Those who fail even after 8 months risk 60 euros and a point in Flensburg.

Classification of Vehicle Types

The GDV releases the Vehicle Type Classification Directory once a year, in which all currently available car models are classified. These type classifications will change from 2023. About 13 million car owners are directly affected by this. To calculate the type classifications, the damages and the resulting costs over the past three years are considered. If the number of damage reports and costs have decreased compared to the last calculation, the vehicle will be classified into a lower type category. In case of an increase, the vehicle will be classified higher. The new classifications can make car insurance for vehicle owners over a third more expensive or cheaper.