Dressing Up and Staying Safe

Whether it’s Carnival season or a convention like Gamescom, dressing up in costume is more popular than ever. But if you’re planning to head out in fancy dress, there are a few important rules to bear in mind—especially when you’re out and about in public. Sabine Brandl, a legal expert at ERGO Rechtsschutz Leistungs-GmbH, explains the key points.

Driving in Fancy Dress

Generally speaking, driving while wearing a costume, wig or face paint is permitted, provided you can operate your vehicle safely. German law states that your vision and hearing must not be im-paired (Section 23(1) of the Road Traffic Act), and since 2017, full-face coverings that make you unidentifiable—such as full masks—are not allowed (Section 23(4)). “Light accessories and face paint are fine as long as your features remain recognisable and your movement isn’t restricted,” says Sabine Brandl. Masks, large headpieces or bulky costume elements can cause problems if they affect your ability to be identified, reduce your field of vision or hearing, or make it difficult to perform manoeuvres like shoulder checks, steering or changing gear.

Drinking and Driving: Don’t Risk It

While Carnival or a fancy dress party with friends might tempt you to have a drink or two, the ad-vice is clear: “If you’re driving, don’t drink,” says Brandl. If you do decide to drink, you must stay within the legal alcohol limits. In Germany, the maximum blood alcohol limit is 0.5‰, but you can be prosecuted from as low as 0.3‰ if you show signs of impairment—especially if there’s an accident. “These limits also apply to e-scooters. If you’ve had a drink, it’s better to walk or use public transport,” adds Brandl. Cyclists should also take note: from 0.3‰, combined with unsafe cycling, you can face legal consequences for ‘drunkenness on the roads’, which is a criminal offence. At 1.6‰, cyclists are considered completely unfit to ride, and this can result in criminal charges even without obvious impairment. You could also receive points on your driving record and be required to take a medical-psychological assessment. Refusing or failing this assessment means losing your driving licence.

Masks and Costumes: Know Your Limits

There’s no blanket ban on disguises in public, but context matters. “At public demonstrations or gatherings outdoors, German law (Section 17a of the Assembly Act) prohibits any covering of the face or appearance that prevents identification,” Brandl explains. Breaking this law is a criminal offence and can result in up to a year in prison or a fine. However, the ban doesn’t apply to ‘tradi-tional folk festivals’ like Carnival—at least where it’s considered part of local custom. Authorities can also grant exceptions in individual cases. At private events, such as in a club, organisers are entitled to set their own rules.

Props and Costume Weapons: What You Need to Know

Props that look like real weapons are classed as imitation weapons under German law and are banned in public (Section 42a of the Weapons Act). Breaching this rule can result in fines of up to €10,000 and confiscation of the item. Uniforms that closely resemble those of the police, or that display unconstitutional symbols, are also prohibited. “The safest bet is to use props that are clearly toys. Always check the event’s house rules and safety guidelines—especially when it comes to full-face masks, horror costumes or fake weapons,” Brandl advises.