During the corona pandemic, what was previously forbidden became mandatory for taxi drivers: wearing a mask at the wheel. Now the last protective measures have been taken and the ban on masking applies again. There is criticism in the taxi industry.
After the end of the mask requirement on public transport, the taxi industry is working to ensure that drivers can continue to wear masks if necessary. Michael Oppermann, Managing Director of the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars, said that the health of the passengers was in danger of being lost in the wrangling of competences between the federal and state governments. There is legal uncertainty for taxi drivers.
According to a spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Transport, the road traffic regulations prohibit the veiling and covering of essential facial features. Because the owner of a vehicle is not liable for traffic offenses, but the driver, it must be ensured that he can also be identified. Anyone who drives a motor vehicle must therefore not make their face unrecognizable with masks, scarves or veils. "After the mask requirement on public transport has been lifted, traffic controls will have to be checked on a case-by-case basis by the responsible authorities in the federal states," said the ministry spokesman.
The end of the mask requirement in public transport has also ended exemptions from the ban on masks for taxi drivers, according to Oppermann. The federal association is now appealing to the administrations of the federal states to make generous decisions in the interests of the taxi trade. The drivers are not on the road with medical masks for fun. "We cover many trips to medical treatment and back, for example for dialysis and radiation. Many of these patients are happy if the drivers are protected with a mask."
