Monatswechsel: Winterzeit, Tankrabatt, Bahnhöfe: Was sich im Oktober ändert

The end of daylight saving time approaches, bringing back an extra hour in October as clocks are set back one hour on the last Sunday in October. The summer driving frustration of high fuel costs ends, as the German government announces a reduction in the energy tax for diesel and gasoline by approximately 14 cents per liter from October 1 to December 31.

This translates to a 17 cent per liter discount at the pump after accounting for the standard value added tax. The German government and parliament initiated this change just before the last September weekend in late summer. The Deutsche Bahn, the German railway company, will gradually implement an alcohol prohibition at all German train stations from October 15, aiming to enhance passenger and employee safety and cleanliness.

The ban will cover all areas of the stations, including platforms, with a warning notice for first-time offenders and a permanent ban for repeat violations. The transition to winter time begins in Germany, gaining an additional hour as the clocks are moved back one hour on the last Sunday in October, specifically October 25. Gardeners can now trim overgrown hedges and bushes that have flourished during the summer months, as the summer protection period ends.

Varying rules for documents such as advance provisions, patient directives, and care directives have been simplified with the introduction of the Central Registration for Preparations. These digital documents can now be stored and easily accessed by medical professionals and courts in case of emergencies, replacing the previous system where only the existence and location of documents could be checked.

Starting October 10, new EU regulations on PFAS substances, also known as "Ewigkeitschemikalien" or "everlasting chemicals," will limit the use of these heat- and surface-resistant chemicals in certain products. These chemicals, found in everyday items like raincoats, pizza boxes, and skincare products, are known for their longevity and potential health risks.

The regulations restrict their use in specific PFAS subgroups, requiring lower amounts in products or alternative coatings and formulations.