Abnehmbare Anhängekupplung: Muss die ab, wenn nichts... | Posts 16+

Since this topic is also of interest to me, I sent an inquiry to the ADAC. What's surprising to me is that the ADAC apparently isn't aware of the information provided by Bertil regarding models with tow hitches that obscure the license plate.

Here is the answer:

ADAC wrote:

... Thank you for your inquiry. There is no legal regulation that stipulates that in the case of a passenger car... with detachable trailer hitch; the trailer hitch can be removed when not in use. Trailers must always be detached. According to information available to ADAC, ... Currently, there is no information available on the market regarding detachable [items/components]. Towing hitch that requires inspection and approval as part of the operating license process. Trips without a trailer are required or recommended. In the event of an accident, it can certainly happen that due to... The presence of a tow hitch on the opposing vehicle could indicate a greater amount of damage. arises. From the perspective of increasing the operational risk, therefore... It cannot be ruled out that a court, even though an acceptance obligation exists, will... removable trailer hitch is not legally required, a contributing fault of the... The legal department of the ADAC has received relevant information regarding the acceptance of drivers. Do not judge prematurely. We hope that this information has been helpful to you. remain Sincerely, Kai Thiele Legal Center - Legal Services. ADAC e.V., Am Westpark 8, 81373 Munich. ...

Best regards,
Guste.

guste100 wrote:

It is surprising to me that the ADAC seems to be unaware of Bertil's information regarding models with tow hitches that obscure the license plate. ...

I've been forced to be an ADAC member for 20 years, and I haven't relied on their information for years.

"They," as the largest automobile club in Germany, have failed for years to adopt the correct spelling for "Verbandskasten" in their newspaper/website (it always said "Verbandskasten" ... which has always been wrong).

Unfortunately, I can't take that kind of store seriously anymore.

When I read the sentence:

ADAC wrote:

There is no legal regulation that stipulates that in the case of a passenger car, with detachable trailer hitch - detach the trailer hitch when not towing. Trailers must always be detached.

Of course, there's a legal regulation for that (at least in cases where the license plate is covered).

http://verkehrsportal.de/stvzo/stvzo_60.php
Section 60 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (STVZO) clearly states:
2)
... License plates must be clearly legible from a sufficient distance, both in front of and behind the vehicle, and must be positioned at an angle of no more than 30 degrees on either side of the vehicle's longitudinal axis.


That alone already makes it unnecessary for the AHK to provide coverage.

5b) If the rear official license plate is partially or completely obscured by a load carrier or transported goods, the official license plate must be repeated on the vehicle or the load carrier, without any stamps. Sections 1, 1a, 2, and 4 apply accordingly to the design, attachment, and illumination.


A hole is not a charge itself, but it can certainly be defined as a charge carrier.

ADAC wrote:

According to information available to the ADAC, Currently, there is no information available on the market regarding detachable components. Towing hitch that requires an inspection and approval process as part of the operating permit. Trips without a trailer are required or recommended.

...so the WESTFALIA instruction manual clearly states the opposite!

The ADAC is not as well-informed as it should be...

While it doesn't necessarily belong here, it's also related to the quality of ADAC's statements:

I went to Croatia with my campervan for Easter. When I inquired about the maximum speed allowed on Austrian autobahns (AB) (of course, specifying the vehicle type and actual weight), I received the answer: 80 km/h. Even on the websites of this association, they mention 100 km/h... so much for the quality!

Hi there.
I've been reading in this forum for a while now. My knowledge about diesel engines and related topics isn't advanced enough for me to really contribute to the discussions. However, I'm a quick learner, so I read here almost every day.
But I can't just let Rainer's statement stand like that.


Furthermore, it is a) very practical against reckless drivers and b) I have already had someone rear-end me at a traffic light. It has proven to be very useful.

Greetings, Rainer

The gamble could also backfire spectacularly.
I've heard of cases where this has happened, like one involving a car with a tow hitch. The car that rear-ended it only had a damaged bumper. However, the car with the tow hitch had a bent frame because the impact energy was directed entirely into the frame, rather than being absorbed by the bumper. This can happen even at relatively low speeds, depending on the vehicle and how the hitch is attached.


Regards,
Andreas.