Berlin Court Denies Muslim Woman's Request to Drive While Wearing Niqab

The court ruled that public safety and identification requirements outweigh the claimant's religious freedom argument.

A 33-year-old Muslim woman sought an exemption from Germany's driving face-covering ban to wear a niqab while driving, citing religious reasons.
The Berlin administrative court rejected her claim, upholding the decision of the local traffic authority and citing the need for clear driver identification.
The court emphasized that the face-covering ban ensures effective enforcement of traffic laws, including automated violations detection.
The claimant proposed alternatives, such as QR codes on the niqab or maintaining a driving log, but these were deemed insufficient by the court.
The decision aligns with similar rulings across Germany, though one exception was granted in Schleswig-Holstein for a limited period.