LISTED: The items you can't carry in your car in Germany

Most motorists in Germany will know by now what they need to have with them on the road: a valid driver’s licence, a vehicle registration document, a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest, and a functional first aid kit. 

These essentials should stay in your car at all times, since you'll need to present them to police officer if asked. 

But what about items you are not allowed to have with you? 

According to the motorists' club ADAC, there are a few items to avoid carrying in your car in Germany.

Knives

Some kinds of knives, including all one-handed knives and knives with a fixed blade of over 12cm, are banned in automobiles in Germany. However smaller knives, such as pocketknives, are permitted.

A few exceptions exist, particularly for people who have a “legitimate interest” in carrying a large knife -  for hunting or sport, for example. This would have to be proved to police in the event of a check.  

Firearms 

Guns are banned in almost all circumstances. However, some people, like hunters, may be permitted to carry them while driving.

READ ALSO: What you need to know about gun laws in Germany

In these cases, they should ensure they have secured the guns in locked containers and generally transport them unloaded, with ammunition contained separately. They will also need to carry the relevant paperwork. 

Explosives

Rather unsuprisingly, transporting anything you can detonate in your car is deemed unsafe in Germany. That means explosive chemicals are expressly banned. 

Speed-camera detectors

These are illegal in Germany, so police may confiscate devices dedicated to detecting speed cameras.

Mobile phone apps which fulfil the same purpose should not be used, but you may be less likely to be caught using one of these. Seizing a mobile with such an app on it tends to be deemed disproportionate, as your phone fulfils a range of other functions too.  

Over 50kg of fireworks 

When it comes to explosives, one type is allowed - but only in smaller quantities.

Drivers in Germany are permitted to carry less than 50kg of fireworks, with a net explosive mass (NEM) of no more than 3kg. Special regulations must be observed for larger quantities. 

Over 240 litres of fuel 

If carrying extra fuel, you must ensure that you do not exceed 60 litres per container and 240 litres total per vehicle. Petrol must be stored in approved containers. 

READ ALSO: Everything that changes for drivers in Germany in 2025

Certain hazardous chemicals

These include, for example, strong acids or bases, as well as environmentally damaging chemicals. 

Unsecured pets 

Pets are allowed, but should be secured to ensure they do not pose a risk to the driver by roaming around while the vehicle is moving. At the very least, they should be separated from the driver by a net or screen. 

In addition, you may be stopped by police if you are carrying loads which are excessively bulky or so heavy that they disrupt the functioning of your car or pose a risk to other road users. 

Violations of these rules risk huge fines of tens of thousands of euros or even a prison sentence.