Darmstadt eases election poster rules ahead of March municipal vote

Campaigning just got easier in Darmstadt. With permits no longer required for posters in most areas, candidates race to cover the city before the March elections.

, and Administrator

2025 December 15 . 5:03 AM

1 min read

This is an advertisement and here we can see a picture consisting of vehicles, trees and a shed and... — This is an advertisement and here we can see a picture consisting of vehicles, trees and a shed and at the bottom, we can see text written.

Darmstadt Simplifies the Erection of Election Posters - Darmstadt eases election poster rules ahead of March municipal vote

Darmstadt has relaxed its rules on election posters ahead of the March municipal elections. Campaign materials can now be displayed in wider areas without a permit, as long as they follow local guidelines. The change contrasts with stricter policies in nearby regions like Kassel and Gießen, where permits remain mandatory.

Under Darmstadt’s updated 2025 regulations, posters must not exceed 2 square metres in size. They can be put up from January 15 and must be removed within two days after the election. These rules apply uniformly across the Darmstadt-Dieburg district and neighbouring areas such as Groß-Gerau and Offenbach.

Germany’s Road Traffic Act (Section 33) generally bans advertising outside built-up areas if it could distract or inconvenience drivers. However, Darmstadt’s new policy allows exemptions for election materials, provided they do not obstruct or endanger road users.

In contrast, Kassel and Gießen have maintained stricter controls. While exemptions can be requested in Kassel, posters must still meet safety and placement restrictions. Gießen continues to require permits for all election posters outside urban zones.

The changes in Darmstadt simplify the process for candidates and parties ahead of the March vote. Posters must still comply with size, timing, and safety rules to avoid penalties. Meanwhile, neighbouring councils have kept their existing permit systems in place.