Germany 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA)
Last Updated: 2026년 1월 15일
Summary
Germany introduces major 2026 changes: mandatory advanced safety systems for new vehicles, digital enforcement for foreign drivers, online theory lessons for learners, Euro 7 emissions standards, and driver license exchange deadlines.
Key Changes
Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) Mandatory
Effective 2026년 7월 7일
Basic drowsiness warning only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic ADAS including AEB and lane-keeping; drowsiness warning based on driving patterns only
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera monitoring to detect phone use, eating, or looking away from road
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026. Your car will detect if you're looking at your phone or not paying attention to the road. This builds on existing systems like AEB and lane-keeping that were already mandatory from July 2024.”
Digital Enforcement for Foreign Drivers
Effective 2026년 1월 1일
Paper-based records
Foreign driver violations tracked on paper, easily lost or forgotten
Digital FAER registration
All violations by foreign drivers digitally recorded in Fahreignungsregister; police see full history instantly
Official Source: KBA FAER System
Instructor's Tip
“The old days of foreign drivers avoiding German traffic penalties are over. Every violation is now in the digital system, and police see your entire history the moment they run your license. Driving bans are enforced across the EU.”
Changes by Category
⚠️Penalties & Fines(1)
Digital Enforcement for Foreign Drivers
Effective 2026년 1월 1일
Paper-based records
Foreign driver violations tracked on paper, easily lost or forgotten
Digital FAER registration
All violations by foreign drivers digitally recorded in Fahreignungsregister; police see full history instantly
Official Source: KBA FAER System
📋Licensing(2)
Online Theory Lessons for Learner Drivers
Effective 2026년 1월 1일
In-person only
All theory lessons had to be attended in person at driving school
Online lessons permitted
Learners can complete theory classes online from home with flexible scheduling
Official Source: BMVI Driving Education Reform
Old Driver License Exchange Deadline
Effective 2026년 1월 19일
Paper/old card licenses valid
Driver licenses issued 1999-2001 remained valid
Must exchange to EU format
Licenses issued 1999-2001 must be exchanged for EU credit card format; €10 warning fine if caught with old license
Official Source: KBA License Exchange
🛡️Safety Rules(1)
Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) Mandatory
Effective 2026년 7월 7일
Basic drowsiness warning only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic ADAS including AEB and lane-keeping; drowsiness warning based on driving patterns only
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera monitoring to detect phone use, eating, or looking away from road
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
🌱Environmental Zones(2)
Euro 7 Emissions Standard for New Vehicles
Effective 2026년 11월 29일
Euro 6d standard
Current emission limits for NOx and particulate matter
Euro 7 standard
Stricter limits including brake and tire wear particles; EV batteries must retain 80% capacity after 5 years/100,000km
Official Source: EU Euro 7 Regulation
Higher CO2 Price on Fuel
Effective 2026년 1월 1일
€55 per tonne CO2 (2025)
Carbon tax of €55 per tonne added to fuel prices
€55-65 per tonne CO2 (auction)
Price corridor with €55 minimum and €65 maximum per tonne; adds approximately 17-19 cents per liter to fuel prices
Official Source: DEHSt National Emissions Trading
Instructor Tips
Re: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) Mandatory
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026. Your car will detect if you're looking at your phone or not paying attention to the road. This builds on existing systems like AEB and lane-keeping that were already mandatory from July 2024.”
Re: Digital Enforcement for Foreign Drivers
Instructor's Tip
“The old days of foreign drivers avoiding German traffic penalties are over. Every violation is now in the digital system, and police see your entire history the moment they run your license. Driving bans are enforced across the EU.”
Re: Online Theory Lessons for Learner Drivers
Instructor's Tip
“Good news for learners - you can now do theory lessons online. But practical lessons still require in-person instruction. The theory test itself is still taken at a TÜV or DEKRA center.”
Re: Euro 7 Emissions Standard for New Vehicles
Instructor's Tip
“Euro 7 is the first standard to measure brake dust and tire particles, not just exhaust. It also sets battery durability rules for EVs. This applies to all new vehicle types from November 2026.”
Re: Old Driver License Exchange Deadline
Instructor's Tip
“If your German license was issued between 1999 and 2001, exchange it before January 19, 2026. It's free to exchange but there's a €10 fine if caught with the old format after the deadline.”
Re: Higher CO2 Price on Fuel
Instructor's Tip
“Fuel prices increased significantly from January 2026 due to the higher CO2 price. Expect to pay €1.70+ per liter for petrol. This is Germany's final year of national carbon pricing before transitioning to EU ETS 2 in 2027.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What new safety features are mandatory in German cars from 2026?
Can foreign drivers still avoid German traffic fines?
Do I need to exchange my old German driving license?
Can I take driving theory lessons online in Germany now?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-01-15
Primary Sources:
- Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) — Official regulatory body
- EU General Safety Regulation 2 — Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) Mandatory
- KBA FAER System — Digital Enforcement for Foreign Drivers
- BMVI Driving Education Reform — Online Theory Lessons for Learner Drivers
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