News for drivers in 2024

Driver’s license exchange

Anyone born between 1965 and 1970 who still has a pink or gray driver’s license must exchange the document for a forgery-proof credit card driver’s license by January 19, 2024. Anyone caught with the old license risks a fine of ten euros and must then present the exchanged license to the police – otherwise they will be fined again. The new license is valid for 15 years and costs 25 euros. From January 19, 2025, driving license holders born in 1971 or later will have to exchange their license. You will find the date of issue on the front of the card-format driving license under point 4a. For all driving licenses issued after 18.01.2013, you will already find an expiration date under point 4b. The driving license authority at the registration office is the point of contact for exchanging your driving license.

Tires

From October 2024, only winter and all-season tires with the “Alpine symbol” (snowflake and mountain) may be used in winter conditions. From this date, tires with the “M+S” designation, which have no longer been produced since 2018, may no longer be used. Tires with both designations are still permitted.

Assistance systems

From July 7, 2024, all newly registered cars must have a large number of assistance systems on board as standard in addition to the already prescribed assistants such as ABS, ESP or tire pressure systems. These include an intelligent speed assistant, data recording in a black box and an emergency brake assistant.

Car insurance

From 2024, the type class classifications for car insurance will change. Around 13 million drivers will be affected. Higher classifications will apply to around 7.4 million in 2024, while 5.4 million drivers will benefit from better type classes. The regional classes will also change in the new year. 5.9 million policyholders will benefit from the new statistics, 7.1 million will have to expect lower classifications in 45 registration districts

GHG quota

In 2024, e-car owners will once again be able to sell THG certificates. To apply, the owner only needs the vehicle registration certificate, which is officially called registration certificate part I. The payment is made once a year – the amount fluctuates due to the constantly changing legal and economic framework conditions. Incidentally, the proceeds are not subject to income tax for private individuals. This income is only taxable if the e-car is a business asset.