Happy New Year 2025 – but what will change? 2025 is also sure to bring some changes for drivers and garages. To give you a brief overview and to ensure you head off into the new year well prepared, we would now like to inform you in this blog about a few of the most important changes.
Increase in the CO2 tax makes petrol and diesel more expensive
The next stage of the CO2 tax has been reached and has increased considerably. This means that petrol, diesel, heating oil and natural gas have become gradually more expensive since 2021. The goal is to achieve the climate goals in Germany. With effect from 1 January 2025, the CO2 price has increased from 45 to 55 Euro per emitted ton of carbon dioxide. This can mean higher petrol prices for car drivers. In concrete terms, around 3 Cent more per litre of petrol and 3.5 Cent more per litre of diesel is expected compared to 2024.
Change in driving license and digital driving license
The pink and grey driving license are now finally a thing of the past. Anyone who still has one of these versions should have it replaced immediately, as they are no longer permitted from 19 January. Exception: People born before 1953. This is intended to make driving licenses more forgery-proof. The EU driving license directive currently being worked on could bring even more changes. This directive covers topics such as the digital driving license, the minimum age for lorry and bus drivers, the probation period for new drivers and an update to the regulations for the theory-based driving test.
E-invoice from 2025
The E-invoice is compulsory in the B2B segment since 1 January 2025. This means that companies must be able to receive electronic invoices. The whole thing is set out in the growth opportunity act and affects companies that work with commercial contractors and clients nationally. The long-term goal of this measure is to dispense with paper invoices in the B2B (Business to Business) area by 2028 at the latest.
Regular monitoring of gas systems in mobile homes and caravans
All owners of a mobile home or caravan with a liquefied gas installation must have them checked regularly. This rule has been in place since 19/06/2025, is dependent on the general inspection and must be carried out every two years. If the inspection schedules are not observed, a fine of between 15 and 60 euros can be applied. This measure is intended to prevent accidents due to leaks and faults. For example when cooking, heating or cooling. The following is checked, among other things: Leak-tightness and function of the gas installation, fixing of the gas bottles, safety valves, age of the connection hose and pressure reducer, exhaust pipes etc.
The new general inspection badge is yellow from 2025
During the course of 2025, all vehicles with an orange badge must undergo a general inspection. The number at the top shows which month. Once the inspection has been completed and passed, another yellow badge is issued. But it's not just the colour of the badge that's changing at TÜV. The requirements of the inspection are also getting stricter. This affects owners of older vehicles and diesel vehicles in particular. They are subjected to a stricter emissions test.