Overview
- State criminal offices and police caution that eggs, paint or car scratches constitute criminal property damage, with penalties ranging from fines to up to two years in prison.
- Parents can be held responsible for unlawful acts by children if supervision duties are breached, and authorities urge advance talks and, where possible, adult accompaniment.
- Safety advice includes bright or reflective costumes or lights, sticking to sidewalks, crossing at marked points, visiting well‑lit homes and respecting quiet hours.
- Realistic uniforms, extremist symbols and look‑alike weapons can breach criminal and weapons laws, with misuse of titles punishable under §132a StGB and public carrying of Anscheinswaffen forbidden.
- Drivers risk fines if masks or costumes impede vision or control, and trade groups in Hessen forecast roughly €54 million in Halloween‑related retail sales.