Winter car protection with tarpaulin: What is allowed and what can result in fines

Tarpaulins protect cars from snow, ice and cold in winter. But anyone who uses them in public spaces should observe the legal requirements. Covering license plates or badges can have expensive consequences.

Protection from snow and cold

Winter weather conditions pose challenges for many vehicle owners. Icy windows, snow on the roof and temperatures that affect the paint are part of everyday life. Tarpaulins offer a simple way to prevent these stresses. They not only protect the body from frost damage, but also make it easier to get some free space in the morning. A tarpaulin can be a valuable time saver, especially in snowy regions.

There are various tarpaulins available for optimal protection of a car, depending on the specific requirements. Half garages are ideal for protecting the windshield, windows and roof from snow and ice in winter, while full garages cover the entire vehicle down to the rims and provide comprehensive protection. For year-round use and different weather conditions, an all-weather cover that can be used both indoors and outdoors is recommended, according to a recommendation from the online portal DerPlanenSpecialist.

Legal risks and fines

The road traffic regulations stipulate that license plates, environmental stickers and parking tickets must be visible at all times. If this is prevented by a tarpaulin, a fine of up to 50 euros can be imposed. This particularly applies to vehicles parked on public streets or parking lots.

As DA Direkt emphasizes, the responsibility lies with the vehicle owner. It doesn’t matter whether the covering is intentional or accidental, a lack of visibility is classified as a misdemeanor in any case. However, snow or ice that covers license plates or badges is usually viewed as an unavoidable circumstance and is not penalized.

Effects of improper use

In addition to legal problems, tarpaulins can also have practical disadvantages if used improperly. Poor attachment of the tarpaulin can cause it to come loose in high winds, causing damage to the vehicle or neighboring cars. Especially with full garages, there is a risk that they will slip and obscure areas that must remain visible according to road traffic regulations.

Editorial team finanzen.net

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