Covering a motorcycle plate with your hand: a minor offence or a criminal act?
In the driving world, not every “trick” is an innocent thrill. One of the behaviours seen among some motorcyclists in Germany is briefly covering the license plate when passing cameras or while committing deliberate traffic violations. What looks like a quick, temporary move can carry serious legal consequences, potentially even imprisonment.
What does “covering the plate by hand” mean?
Some riders cover the rear license plate with a hand or an obstructing cover, aiming to make it unreadable to speed or surveillance cameras—especially on city streets or at traffic-light intersections. Authorities classify this as an attempt to evade detection and legal accountability.
Legal basis: more than a simple traffic violation
Under German law, intentionally obscuring a vehicle’s plate can fall under provisions such as:
§ 22 StVG – misuse/manipulation of license plates
§ 267 StGB – forgery of documents (Urkundenfälschung) in certain cases
§ 258 StGB – obstruction of justice (Strafvereitelung) when the purpose is to avoid punishment deliberately
Possible penalties
| Type of penalty | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial penalty | starting at €60 and potentially exceeding €1,000, depending on intent and repetition |
| Penalty points in Flensburg | often two points or more |
| Driving licence withdrawal | especially if repeated or combined with excessive speed or reckless behaviour |
| Suspended or actual imprisonment | possible if criminal intent is proven and the behaviour is repeated systematically |
Smart cameras can detect the “tricks”
Plate-covering is far less effective today. Modern enforcement systems (e.g., section control, laser scanners) capture the entire vehicle from multiple angles and may reveal the rider’s face, clothing, or distinctive features—making identification possible even without a readable plate number.
Conclusion
Covering a motorcycle plate with your hand is not just reckless—it may be treated as a criminal offence with strict consequences. If you ride a motorcycle, the real challenge is not outsmarting cameras, but respecting the rules. German law may show flexibility for minor speeding, but it is far less tolerant of deliberate attempts to evade justice.
The website’s writers and editors aim to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may not be fully confirmed. Please treat this as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for verified information.
