Forbidden costumes for New Year’s Eve. There are almost no limits when it comes to choosing a costume. Creative costumes are an integral part of unique events in the New Year. However, some outfits are prohibited in Germany and violators will face huge fines. Here are the banned costumes and reason they are strictly forbidden in Germany.
Fake weapons
Fake or dummy weapons often used as props, look too much like real weapons and fall under the so-called prima facie weapon. According to § 42a of the German Weapons Act, the public display of dummy weapons is an administrative offence. Those found violating this law face fines of up to 10,000 euros. Overly realistic weapons can be mistaken for real weapons and, in the worst case, cause panic among the public.
Covering the face is also prohibited
Face coverings are generally prohibited in Germany, mostly at public gatherings, public events, as well as in traffic. This is aimed at making it easier to identify all persons.
Such events are considered traditional celebrations and thus may be exempted from the former bans according to the legislator. However, covering your face in traffic is still prohibited and may result in a fine of 60 euros. On the way to a party, you should always take off your mask or other props that cover your face.
Uniforms
The fake uniform should be sufficiently different from the real one to be clearly identifiable as a disguise. It is considered a crime if the difference from the real service uniform is no longer recognizable. Under section 132a of the Criminal Code, it is considered a crime of abuse of titles, positions and insignia. A crime is committed when people disguised (even just as a joke) perform illegal official activities.
This ban is aimed at preventing situations in which people seeking help will being unable to distinguish real policemen, soldiers and the like. Violations may be punishable by fines or imprisonment.
Skimpy disguises
If the costumes don’t cover enough and show too much bare skin, they can fall under the act of exhibitionism. They can be punished with a fine or imprisonment of up to one year under sections 183 and 183a of the Penal Code.
Incendiary costumes
Right-wing extremist costumes, such as those of National Socialists, are inflammatory and unconstitutional and are strictly prohibited. This also applies to all uniforms with symbols and signs that are generally prohibited in Germany. Clothing with the words “WP“, short for “White Power”, the slogan of the racist secret society “Ku Klux Klan”, is also not allowed. Persons found in violation will be fined or face up to 3 years in prison.
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Source: Chip.de