Brandenburg Permits Illuminated Advent Vehicle Parades After Citizen Advocacy
Brandenburg has officially permitted illuminated vehicle parades--featuring decorated fire engines and tractors--during the Advent season, following a wave of public support and recent legal clarifications. This decision comes after previous concerns regarding the use of additional, self-installed lighting on vehicles in public traffic, which initially raised regulatory challenges.
The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Transport have now classified these festive processions as part of local cultural traditions, thereby clearing the path for their continued organization. Authorities announced on Friday that these parades, often referred to as 'Lichterfahrten', are now recognized as events that celebrate regional customs and are eligible for authorization under current regulations.
The shift in policy follows a notable public initiative: Residents, particularly from Königs Wusterhausen in the Dahme-Spreewald district, had campaigned for the preservation of these illuminated parades by submitting petitions and collecting signatures. Previously, concerns about non-standard lighting equipment on vehicles had threatened the continuation of such events, prompting both local citizens and associations to express their support for a regulatory solution.
With the new guidelines in place, a series of Advent parades are scheduled throughout Brandenburg. Farmers in the Uckermark region are preparing to drive festively adorned tractors to Prenzlau at the end of November. In Märkisch-Oderland, a similar procession featuring decorated tractors will take place in Strausberg in early December. Additional processions are planned across the region, with the volunteer fire department in Strausberg also organizing a parade of illuminated vehicles during the fourth Advent weekend.
According to the latest rules, vehicles participating in these events must ensure that decorative lights are not used continuously or in a manner that could distract other road users. The ministries have specified that for travel to and from the event locations, any extra lighting must remain switched off, and participants can proceed along direct routes without needing individual permits, provided that no safety concerns arise.
The categorization of these events varies: they may be recognized as assemblies, small-scale local customs events, or as permit-requiring operations under Section 29, Paragraph 2 of the German Road Traffic Regulations. Events that involve an unusually large number of vehicles, or that make special demands on public roads, fall under the latter category and require formal permission. In such cases, local traffic authorities retain the right to determine whether additional escorts or safety measures are necessary to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow.
The response from community organizations has been positive, as the decision allows for the preservation of a cherished seasonal tradition in Brandenburg. The authorities have emphasized that compliance with safety and traffic regulations remains essential, ensuring that the festive atmosphere is balanced with public safety considerations.
The illuminated Advent parades are anticipated to draw considerable public interest, reflecting both the community's enthusiasm and the importance of cultural traditions during the holiday season. Organizers and participants are now working to prepare their vehicles and routes in accordance with the revised guidelines, ensuring that the events can proceed smoothly and safely throughout the Advent period.