I'm actually going to the 'Ring a few days before you guys and have just seen this information regarding a change in policing in Germany with regards to modified cars. Basically all modifications need to be TUV approved. Might not affect you but worth a read.
Police at the new Nürburgring are promising to be stricter with all Visitors who flout Germany rules for vehicles, starting this August onwards!
A NEW crackdown has been launched by the RheinlandPfalz Police, in and around the Nürburgring region. Police are sending out a message to all Visitors that their vehicles will be seized and vehicles may be impounded (at additional cost to you, of course) if their owners do not have the correct “original” documentation. In addition, a range of many popular UK vehicle modifications has been identified and judged to be unsafe for driving around the Eifel area and also the Nürburgring.
Driving in Germany is normally a complete pleasure as the roads are in excellent condition and the German drivers are well-trained and cooperative. The German autobahns are famous for being some of the few public roads in the world without blanket speed limits for cars and motorcycles. Although, Visitors should also be aware that with the high alcohol content of German social beverages, it doesn't take long to hit the low alcohol limit. Everything is fine – just as long as you follow the rules.
One very popular destination for us Brits is the Nürburgring, simply known as "The Ring" by enthusiasts. It can be classed as a normal road in Germany, or a motorsport race track, depending on whom you speak to. It is open to anyone with a road legal car or motorcycle and also a few euro in their pocket to pay for the road toll.
Nürburgmotorsport recognised the growth of English speaking visitors and so the new company was set up two years ago by British owner Ken Harris. The aim is to provide a wide range of support services to Visitors from the UK and all parts world, where speaking English is popular. As a well known local company regular meetings are held with all the main authorities in the area.
Ken Harris explains more, “I meet up today with Herr Linden – Polizeiinspektion Adenau (Chief Constable) as part of ongoing discussion for my project named Open Road (Projekt Freie Fahrt). This aims to promote “Best Practice” for Visitors to the Nurburgring. We discussed amongst other topics the New Ring Damage Insurance which my company offers and also the details of the accompanying mandatory, Visual Vehicle Inspection.
“I must say it was a bit of a shock to learn that the rules will be strictly applied and there is now a full collection of Police photographs showing items on vehicles which are judged to be dangerous. Not all, but many of which affect UK cars and the Police intend to enforce these rules starting in August and have asked me to inform the UK Press.
“So having your vehicle approved at a UK MOT centre may not now be enough to satisfy these much stricter locally applied rules and you need to keep with you the original car documentation, because any photocopies are not accepted,” continues Ken Harris – British owner of Nürburgmotorsport UG.
The Vehicle Inspection is now being hurriedly updated and will include advice and assistance so as to comply with the latest Police rules and regulations, as part of the Visitor Support only available from Nürburgmotorsport UG and other appointed approved garages.
By permission of the RheinlandPfalz Police the photographs pertaining to UK cars can be seen at the following website location:-
Further clarification from Ken Harris at the 'Ring
The German TUV (their version of the MOT) means that everything on the German car needs to have been approved by the authorities. For instance, I guess you know the metal covers which some car enthusiasts cover the brake clutch and accelerator pedals with? To pass the TUV you need to show a certificate that comes with such an after market products so the TUV inspector can see it is an approved modification, other such things as tyre, their sizes, tow bars all need TUV valid papers or it does not pass the TUV.
I am awaiting a full list of Police photos to publish on my website (which does NOT include these metal pedals) for what they do not want to see on all visitors cars. Some common mods will effect UK cars. These photos will be shown on my website so visitors can check before they come out. We also can provide help if people are unsure.....
also NO photocopies of any car documents are accepted and it is best to have them with you. I was stopped some time ago, no papers in my car, kept at my house in Germany, like we all do in the UK. But here in Germany the drivers always have their details with them. The Police officer wanted to keep my Sat nav until I returned to the road side check with the correct papers. I explained that if he took my sat nav i may not be able to find the location again--we agreed he would hold my leather jacket instead----a bit different from the UK!
The Nurburgring GmbH have spent 315 million euro on all new faclitites take a look at the video on their website!
What about race harness instead of original 3-point belts? these are OK
NO oversized wheels unless they are covered within the body work - true slicks (ie NO TREAD) are not allowed
Ken Harris
