Transporting a Christmas tree by car or bicycle
Sebastian Verweyen- Transport in the car: Christmas tree trunk should point forward
- Transport on the roof only with roof rack
- Incorrectly loaded: 60 Euro fine plus one point
Christmas tree sales begin on the first Sunday of Advent. Many of the 27 million shoppers in Germany select a suitable tree, put it in the trunk and drive home. They often forget how important it is to secure the tree to avoid accidents and fines.
Transport by car
Transporting the Christmas tree indoors:
If you are transporting the tree in a car, fold down the seats and let the trunk face forward. To protect the backrest and to better distribute the load, we recommend placing a wooden board behind it. Secure the tree with tension straps and make sure that the tail lights and license plate are not covered.
Transporting a Christmas tree on the roof:
If the tree doesn't fit in the trunk, the roof is an alternative. Use a roof stand and put a blanket underneath to protect the paint. Here, too, the trunk should point forward. Secure the tree with tensioning straps and wrap around the trunk as well. Rubber expanders are not sufficient for securing.
Transport by bike
If you want to transport the tree by bike, you also have to make sure that it is secured. The tree must not slip or fall down, even if you brake hard. The tree must be transported lengthways and must not protrude more than 40 centimeters at the side without additional lighting. For longer trees, it is better to use a cargo bike. Here, too, the view must remain clear.
Penalties for violations of the rules
If the load is not properly secured, you face a fine of 60 euros and a point on your license. If the boom extends more than a meter beyond the stern, it must be marked with a red flag and, in the dark, with a red light. If this marking is missing, you will be fined 25 euros.
Conclusion
Whether you're driving a car or a bike, securing your Christmas tree is essential . With the right measures, you can bring your tree home safely and avoid accidents and fines.