You don’t necessarily need a crystal ball to see into the future. Many innovations and laws that will come in 2023 have already been determined. These changes will be important for mobility and travel, as reported by the North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center, the ADAC and Stiftung Warentest, among others.

Successor to the 9-euro ticket – Deutschlandticket is launched

The nationwide Deutschlandticket is to be introduced at the beginning of 2023. For 49 euros per month, all buses and trains of local public transport can be used. The Germany ticket is an important step towards a sustainable change in mobility, according to the consumer advice center NRW, even if the price of the ticket is mainly interesting for commuters or travelers who travel longer distances. The ticket is to be offered as a monthly cancellable subscription.

Unlike the 9-euro ticket, the Deutschlandticket will only be available in electronic form, i.e. either as a digital ticket on a smartphone or as a chip card. According to the transport associations, anyone who already has a regional or local subscription ticket and would like to switch to the Deutschlandticket will be informed in good time about the relevant options.

Ratings for crash tests are tightened

In 2023, the criteria for safety are to be tightened. The crash test organization Euro NCAP adjusts the ratings accordingly. In particular, forward-looking assistance systems are to be given greater consideration. This makes it harder to get a five-star top rating.

Deutsche Bahn no longer pays compensation for weather problems

New EU passenger rights will apply from June 2023. Then the railways should no longer have to pay compensation if extraordinary weather conditions or major natural disasters prevented a train from arriving on time or at all. Even if pandemics or the suicide of a person affected rail traffic, the railway would then no longer be obliged to pay compensation. It should be better for train passengers with bicycles, because new or converted trains must in future provide for at least four wheels to be taken along.

No increase in the CO2 tax on diesel and petrol

Originally, the CO2 tax was to be increased from January 1, 2023. That would have meant an increase in the price of petrol and diesel fuel. The price for one tonne of CO2 emitted will remain at 30 euros, but will then increase to 35 euros at the beginning of 2024. Converted, this results in a surcharge of around 1.5 cents per liter of petrol or diesel.

Reduced funding for e-cars

The subsidy for electric cars with a purchase price of up to 40,000 euros is 2023 after 6000 only 4500 euros (2250 euros expected manufacturer discount, 2022: 3000 euros), for electric cars up to 65,000 euros instead of 5000 euros only 3000 euros (1500 euros expected manufacturer discount, 2022: 2500 euros). For plug-in hybrids, the purchase of which was previously subsidized with up to 6750 euros, the subsidy is completely eliminated.

Driving licenses must be exchanged

In 2023, those born between 1959 and 1964 will have to exchange their old driving licences. This must be completed by January 19, 2023. After that, the document becomes invalid. Anyone who gets caught with it risks a fine of ten euros. According to the ADAC, there could also be problems with expired documents abroad. Anyone who already has an EU check card driving license does not have to do anything if it was issued after January 19, 2013.

Masks in the first aid kit

According to the Federal Association of Bandages and Medical Products (BVMED), newly sold first aid kits for cars must contain two medical masks from February 1, 2023 in accordance with a new DIN standard. However, old first aid kits may still be used. No masks would have to be added here either, says the ADAC.