The rules of driving are complex, but not all “rules” really apply. Seven folk myths are debunked below.
Which 7 “rules” do not apply at all?
1. Riding with flip-flops is prohibited
Driving with flip flops is not prohibited. Bussgeldkatalog.org writes that the legislature does not stipulate which shoes must be worn to drive a car. There is no penalty for a traffic stop.
2. You are not allowed to put on make-up while driving
Many will certainly have refreshed some powder at the wheel or put on their lipstick. You don’t have to feel guilty about this either, because a quick touch-up of make-up is fine when driving, as long as there is no danger to other road users.
3. Overtaking on the right is prohibited
The myth that overtaking is not allowed on the right persists, but it is not true. In heavy traffic on the autobahn, you can overtake on the right. Overtaking on the right-hand side is also permitted in built-up areas if there are several lanes for each direction and the lanes are not marked differently.
4. Winter tires must be fitted from October to Easter
Many people believe it is a duty to drive with winter tires from top to bottom. But this regulation only applies to certain situations, not to the season itself. On a dry and sunny day in December you can also drive with summer tires. It is still questionable whether this makes sense – in the event of an accident, this can lead to considerable problems for you.
5. Whoever rears up is to blame
This myth is not true either, because those driving ahead can also be fully or at least partly to blame. This applies in particular if the rear-end collision was provoked by the vehicle ahead, for example by unnecessarily sharp braking.
6. Flashing your headlights on the highway is illegal
The headlight flasher may be used on the Autobahn if someone is driving too slowly in the left lane. If this does not happen continuously, it can be used to signal that you want to overtake.
7. The police must be called after an accident
In the case of minor accidents, it is often not necessary to call the police. It is important to send an accident report to the insurance company, including photos of the accident site and damage. Then you have to clear the street.
dealing with the rules
All seven points are myths that are not true. However, you should always drive with foresight and restraint, which is why the statements should be qualified. In the event of an accident, partial guilt can be proven if wearing flip-flops led to the accident. The same applies to overtaking on the right-hand side: it is possible, but only if the speed is similar on both lanes.
Even if not all rules are legally written, you should still not take it to extremes, because many of them make sense.