Illegal towing of your friend’s car inside the city in Germany: when is it a violation and what are the consequences?
Illegal towing of a friend’s car inside the city (Unzulässiges Abschleppen eines Fahrzeugs im öffentlichen Verkehrsraum) in Germany can lead to fines, civil liability, and in some cases even criminal charges, depending on the circumstances.
When is towing considered illegal?
Towing your friend’s car – or any other vehicle – is considered “illegal” if any of the following applies:
No valid reason or emergency, e.g. there is no mechanical breakdown preventing the car from driving on its own.
The car is towed on a public road using a rope or towing bar (Abschleppstange) without complying with legal requirements.
The vehicle is mechanically sound, and the purpose is merely transport, not breakdown assistance.
No driver is seated in the towed vehicle – the law requires a responsible driver in the vehicle being towed to steer and brake.
What are the legal consequences?
| Offence | Possible consequence |
|---|---|
| Towing a car without an actual breakdown | Fine of up to €100 |
| Unauthorised use of public roads as a “towing area” | Traffic offence + possible Flensburg points |
| Causing an accident during illegal towing | Full civil liability, potentially also criminal liability |
| Towing without a valid driving licence or without a properly registered vehicle | Criminal offence under § 21 StVG |
When is towing allowed?
Towing is generally permitted only if:
the car cannot be driven under its own power due to a sudden mechanical defect, and
the distance is short and within the city.
In addition, the following conditions must be met:
The towing vehicle is driven by a person with a valid and appropriate driving licence.
There is a second driver in the towed vehicle to steer and brake.
Suitable towing equipment is used (for example, no rope if steering is impaired; a rigid bar is required).
The speed does not exceed 30 km/h during the towing process.
Conclusion
Towing your friend’s car in the city is not automatically legal, even if your intention is simply to help.
If there is no genuine emergency breakdown, or if you do not comply with the legal requirements (driver in the towed car, proper equipment, short distance), you risk committing a traffic offence or even a criminal offence.
Practical tip:
If in doubt, it is safer to call an official towing service (Abschleppdienst) or use roadside assistance through ADAC or your breakdown insurance, in order to avoid legal and financial consequences.
The editorial team strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or uncertainties may occur. The information in this article should therefore be regarded as an initial, non-binding guide. For binding and up-to-date advice, please always consult the competent authorities or a qualified legal professional.
