As the Easter weekend approaches, police forces across Germany are gearing up for a significant increase in traffic controls, particularly targeting car enthusiasts known as "Autoposer" and racers. This year, April 18, 2025, which falls on Good Friday, will see heightened vigilance in regions such as Bremen, Lower Saxony, Emsland, and Baden-Württemberg, where the unofficial celebration known as "Carfreitag" attracts car tuners and their powerful vehicles.
In Bremen, the police have announced plans to intensify their efforts, especially in the Überseestadt area, which has become a notorious hotspot for car gatherings. "Around the Kommodore-Johnson-Boulevard, there have been repeated traffic violations in the past," said a spokesperson for the Bremen police. As a response, officers will deploy measuring devices, video surveillance cars, mobile speed cameras, and plainclothes officers to maintain order and ensure public safety.
"We hope for a compliant and peaceful outcome, but we will take action against any violations we observe," a police spokesperson from Lower Saxony remarked. The police presence will be particularly strong in northwestern Lower Saxony, where they aim to prevent illegal races and excessive noise caused by revving engines. Many local residents have expressed concerns over the disturbances caused by these gatherings.
In Emsland, police are also preparing for the influx of car tuners who view Good Friday as an opportunity for outings and meetings. This day marks the start of the season for many in the car tuning community. Authorities are keen to ensure that these gatherings do not escalate into illegal racing or other dangerous activities.
Meanwhile, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, police are on high alert as they anticipate increased activity from car tuners during the Easter weekend. The police fear that gatherings at rest stops could lead to illegal races, which have been on the rise in recent years. Interior Minister Christian Pegel (SPD) highlighted the alarming trend, stating that the number of illegal races has surged from nine criminal charges in 2018 to 129 two years ago, with 113 cases reported last year. Since 2017, illegal car races have been classified as a crime rather than a mere administrative offense.
In Baden-Württemberg, the police will implement strict control measures to combat posing and illegal tuning. Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) has emphasized the dangers posed by these activities, which not only create noise pollution but also endanger road safety. "We will send a clear signal that those who break the rules will face consequences," he stated. The police have reported that from 2022 to 2024, they checked approximately 1,300 vehicles on Good Friday, uncovering over 350 violations. In 2024 alone, they inspected more than 15,000 vehicles, leading to 6,629 violations and the removal of 1,246 vehicles from the roads.
The Tuning World Bodensee, a significant event for car enthusiasts, is set to begin on May 1, 2025. Project leader Emanuela Botta has distanced the event from illegal racing and posers, emphasizing that the community values safe and legal tuning practices. She remarked, "We want to showcase our lovingly and passionately modified vehicles, but we do not condone illegal activities." The Verband der Automobil Tuner (VDAT) also stresses that there are about three million modified vehicles in Germany, primarily through aesthetic tuning. They aim to promote safe tuning practices through campaigns like "Tune it! Safe!"
As the police prepare for the busy weekend, they are particularly focused on younger drivers who may underestimate the risks associated with high-powered vehicles. The Osnabrück police department is deploying a new "Kontrollgruppe Tuning" (Tuning Control Group) for the first time, tasked with monitoring technical modifications on cars. This specialized unit is essential for identifying illegal alterations that could compromise safety.
In recent years, police operations have successfully shut down numerous illegal activities. For instance, during a gathering in East Frisia's Hesel last year, officers confiscated 15 vehicles due to unauthorized modifications. In Bremen, more than 20 driving bans were issued for speeding violations during previous Carfreitag events.
As the authorities brace for the Carfreitag celebrations, they aim to strike a balance between allowing car enthusiasts to enjoy their passion while ensuring public safety. The heightened police presence is a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated, and those who engage in dangerous driving behaviors will face serious consequences.
With the Easter weekend drawing near, the anticipation among car tuners is palpable. However, the police's commitment to maintaining order and safety serves as a reminder that while passion for cars is celebrated, it must be pursued responsibly. As the old saying goes, "With great power comes great responsibility," and this sentiment rings true for those who take to the roads this Carfreitag.
