The Oberverwaltungsgericht Berlin-Brandenburg has upheld a decision of the Verwaltungsgericht Berlin, stating that women of the Muslim faith do not have a right to an exception for driving a vehicle with a face veil. The plaintiff argued that she could only show herself fully covered outside her home and that she was exposed to the gazes of strangers while driving, therefore she should be allowed to cover her entire body, including her face, with an exception for her eyes. However, the Verwaltungsgericht rejected her claim. The 1st Senate of the OVG declined the plaintiff’s request for admission of appeal, stating that she had not raised serious doubts about the decision of the Verwaltungsgericht or pointed out any procedural errors. The assumption of the Verwaltungsgericht that wearing a face veil while driving does not typically represent a significant limitation on religious practice and that the ban has a time and location-limited effect, cannot be comprehensively challenged, according to the Oberverwaltungsgericht. The same applies to the assumption of the Verwaltungsgericht that the authority responsible for granting an exception has exercised its discretion in a lawful manner, as the intervention is justified for ensuring effective automated traffic monitoring. The decision of the OVG is final (decision of April 25, 2025 – OVG 1 N 17/25).
Muslim Women’s Face Covering Ban Upheld in Berlin-Brandenburg Court.
