Towing an unlit vehicle at night in Germany: A serious traffic offence with increased penalties when there is danger
Towing a broken-down vehicle at night may seem like a responsible way to rescue a stranded car. But if it is done without clear, functioning lights on the towed vehicle (beleuchtetes Schleppfahrzeug), it is not merely an administrative breach—it is treated as a direct threat to road safety.
German law considers towing in darkness without lighting to be dangerous and irresponsible, and it increases penalties when it causes risk, obstruction, or damage.
Why is lighting so strictly required when towing?
A towed vehicle—especially at night or in fog—may be hard to see for other road users, which can lead to:
high-speed rear-end collisions
sudden disruption of traffic flow
difficulty judging distance and direction for approaching drivers
Therefore, § 17 StVO requires every vehicle participating in traffic at night to have fully functioning lighting, including rear lights, indicators, and reflectors (Reflektoren).
When is towing allowed?
In Germany, towing is allowed only if:
the vehicle cannot drive under its own power (e.g., mechanical or electrical fault)
the towing is done directly to the nearest workshop or a safe place
the distance is short, and the vehicle is not towed over long distances or on the Autobahn (except in exceptional cases)
there is proper lighting, a secure connection, and two licensed drivers in both vehicles
What is the penalty for towing without lights at night?
| Type of offence | Fine | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towing without lights at night | €60–€90 | 1 | even without an accident |
| If it causes confusion or danger to traffic | €120–€160 | 1–2 | + possible civil liability |
| Causing an accident while towing without lighting | €200–€300 | 2 | possible licence suspension |
| Repeated offence or professional breach (e.g., taxi driver) | up to €500 | 2–3 | possible loss of permit |
In some cases, the incident may be classified as gross negligence (grobe Fahrlässigkeit), which can make the driver fully liable for any property or bodily damage.
What counts as legally sufficient lighting?
The towed vehicle must have fixed red rear lights and clearly visible reflectors.
Temporary battery-powered lights may be used if the disabled vehicle’s electrical system is not working.
Hazard warning lights (Warnblinkanlage) must be switched on in both vehicles.
If lighting is not available, towing must be stopped immediately and an official towing service must be called.
Real-life cases
In Hamburg, a speeding car struck a vehicle being towed at night without lights on a secondary road. The driver of the towing vehicle was held fully responsible, even though he was not the direct cause of the crash.
In Düsseldorf, two drivers were fined €280 and one had his licence suspended for one month after towing a vehicle in the dark with an unlawful rope setup and without rear lighting.
How to tow legally and safely at night
Use an approved towing rope (Abschleppseil) or a rigid bar (Abschleppstange).
Fit temporary rear lights to the disabled vehicle if needed.
Avoid the Autobahn unless a clear exception applies.
Always keep an “Abschleppvorgang” warning sign in your car.
Conclusion
Towing at night without proper lighting is not just a violation—it can lead to disaster.
German law is strict: If the lights don’t work, you must not drive—and you must not tow.
Safety starts with visibility—make sure your vehicle is clearly seen before you risk fines or liability.
— The site’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors or unconfirmed details may occur. Please treat this as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.
