THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
A series of legal and other changes that affect our daily lives in Germany will come into force in November. Among these are higher penalties for traffic offences, Christmas market season begin, big-discount day for shoppers and the deadline for changing vehicle insurance, among others. We have summarised for you the important changes from 1 November 2021 here:
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Higher fines for traffic offences
Anyone who drives too fast or commits parking violations will now have to pay more dearly for these infractions. From 9 November, speeding and parking violators will have to dig deeper into their pockets.
The revised catalogue of fines provides for tougher penalties for violations of road traffic regulations. For example, drivers who are caught over speeding by 16 to 20 kilometres per hour (km/h) in built-up areas will now pay 70 euros instead of 35.
In future, there will also be higher fines for those who park illegally on footpaths and bicycle tracks, stop without permission on emergency lanes or park and stop in the second row. Parking in the second row will now cost 55 euros instead of 20, and it will be even more expensive if other road users are obstructed or endangered.
Also new is a fine of 55 euros for unauthorised parking in a parking space designated for electrically powered vehicles and car-sharing vehicles.
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Christmas markets from mid-November
The Christmas market season is starting earlier than usual this year.
After the traditional festive hustle and bustle had to be largely cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, some Christmas markets will now open as early as mid-November. One reason is to enable the market operators to generate higher revenues after the long pandemic break.
Advent proper, the time of contemplative preparation for Christmas for Christians, begins this year on 28 November.
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No compensation for loss of earnings for unvaccinated people
It was already decided by the federal and state health ministers at the end of September that the new regulation on compensation for loss of earnings because of corona quarantine will apply from 1 November 2021 at the latest.
Among the features of the new regulation is one that affects people who have not been vaccinated against the corona virus, but could easily be vaccinated, who will no longer receive financial compensation for loss of earnings if they must go into corona quarantine.
The new regulation, which eliminates compensation for the unvaccinated, complements the change in the law that already came into force in October 2021, by which free rapid tests are no longer offered to unvaccinated persons.
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Cancel your motor insurance in due time
The end of November is traditionally the deadline for all those who want to change their car insurance.
Until the deadline on 30 November 2021, car owners can submit their notice of termination to their current insurance provider and switch to another car insurance company.
In addition to the vehicle registration number and the identification number of the current insurance contract, car owners must include the date and signature in the written notice of termination and request written confirmation of the termination.
Those who took out their motor insurance after 1 October 2016 can also terminate via e-mail or fax. If you prefer to send the cancellation by letter, it is best to send it by registered mail.
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Heavy discounts and special deals on “Black Friday“
Shoppers can traditionally expect huge discounts on “Black Friday” which falls on 26 November in Germany this year. The day traditionally in the USA where it originated is typically full of special shopping deals and heavy discounts and is considered the beginning of the holiday shopping season.
Sola Jolaoso
