Changes in Consumer Regulations: Parental Allowance, Travel, and Driving License Updates for April

As April approaches, significant changes are set to impact consumers in Germany, particularly concerning parental allowances, digital vehicle registration, and travel regulations. Many citizens have long advocated for greater digitalization in governmental processes, and the upcoming month brings a mix of new regulations and trials aimed at enhancing efficiency.

Revisions to Parental Allowance
Starting in April, the parental allowance, a financial support for parents taking time off work after the birth of a child, will undergo notable adjustments. The support will now be restricted to single parents and couples whose taxable annual income does not exceed EUR175,000. This change applies to children born on or after April 1, 2025.

Digital Vehicle Registration Trial
In a move towards modernization, a pilot project for digital vehicle registration is set to launch. Beginning in early April, drivers can participate in a trial of a new app developed by the Federal Motor Transport Authority and the Federal Printing Office, which will allow them to display their vehicle registration digitally instead of carrying physical documents.

Updated Driving License Theory Exam
For those seeking to obtain a driving license, a revised question set will come into effect on April 1. The updated theory exam will reflect recent legal changes, with some questions being removed and new ones added, focusing on topics such as right turns, priority rules at intersections, and specific traffic signs.

New Travel Authorization for the UK
Travelers from visa-exempt countries, including EU member states and Switzerland, will need to acquire an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom. This requirement, effective from April 2, 2025, mandates that travelers present their passports along with a digital authorization costing £10 (approximately EUR11.93), which will need to be renewed every two years.

Earlier Eligibility for Colorectal Cancer Screening for Women
Women will now be eligible for colorectal cancer screenings at an earlier age. Beginning at 50, women can receive two screenings at ten-year intervals. Previously, the age for men was lowered due to a higher risk of colon cancer. For those who prefer not to undergo a colonoscopy, a stool test will be available every two years.

Potential Launch of Electronic Health Records
The test phase for electronic health records (ePA) has been underway since January, currently involving three pilot regions with approximately 300 participating medical practices. As the evaluation of this phase progresses, the Federal Ministry of Health may introduce the ePA by the end of April, pending favorable outcomes. The ePA aims to store all health-related data, including X-rays, medical reports, and lab results, facilitating smoother document exchanges among healthcare providers and pharmacies. Under current plans, every insured patient will receive an ePA unless they opt out.