In the debate about noise protection and speed limits in Germany, the Zweibrücken Higher Regional Court has now made a decision that could cause confusion. The driver of an electric car, who was travelling at 174 km/h instead of the permitted 100 km/h in a noise protection zone, defended himself against a fine. His argument was that his electric car was quieter than a car with a combustion engine, so he did not have to adhere to the noise-related speed limit. The court took a different view.
The court's reasoning was clear and unambiguous: noise-related speed limits also apply to electric cars. This is based on the realisation that not only engine noise, but also tyre rolling noise, airstream, braking and acceleration noise contribute to noise pollution. In addition, a standardised speed limit for all types of vehicles is intended to increase road safety.
The court's decision may seem surprising at first glance, but it is entirely understandable. After all, electric cars may be quieter than their combustion engine counterparts, but they are not silent. And even if the noise of an electric car is less harmful to human hearing, it still contributes to general noise pollution.
What would have happened if the court had ruled in favour of the electric car driver's complaint? This would undoubtedly have set a precedent that would have opened the door to many more lawsuits. It could have meant that electric car drivers in Germany would no longer have to adhere to noise-related speed limits. Such a scenario would certainly not have been in the interests of general road safety.
How many more advantages should electric cars get? They are already favoured in terms of tax, partially subsidised and exempt from vehicle tax. Should they now also be exempt from noise-related speed limits? There seems to be a certain unequal treatment here that should be critically scrutinised.
Ultimately, this judgement is a clear position - electric car drivers must also comply with the applicable traffic regulations. And that's a good thing. Because regardless of whether it's an electric car or a combustion engine: road safety should always come first.