The rear lighting systems of your car are covered. What has to be done?

If your rear lights are covered (for example by dirt, snow, a bike rack, a trailer drawbar, or a load), your car is no longer clearly visible from behind and other drivers may not be able to judge your position and speed. In Germany the rule is that the required lighting and reflectors must be visible and usable at all times when you drive, not only at night and not only on longer trips.

That’s why they must be attached in any case: as soon as the original rear lights/reflectors are obscured, you must provide replacement rear lighting (and reflectors) so the vehicle remains properly identifiable from the rear, including brake light and indicator visibility. The distance you drive and whether it’s daylight doesn’t change this obligation, because a covered rear lighting system is a safety risk even in daytime (for example in rain, spray, fog, tunnels, or when braking).