Taxi Biege's gradual departure
In the Federal Republic of Germany, taxis come in two distinct colors - light ivory or cream in the north, and black in the south, particularly in Bavaria. This regional difference in taxi color primarily reflects historical, cultural, and regulatory preferences rather than any nationwide law mandating specific colors.
Northern Germany taxis, most commonly found in regions like Saxony, Brandenburg, Thuringia, Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, are predominantly painted in a light ivory or cream color. This color choice is a characteristic feature of German taxis, which are usually light cream-colored with white and yellow taxi signs on their roofs. The cream color likely evolved from long-standing regional regulations and aesthetic choices favoring lighter, neutral tones for ease of recognition and a clean appearance.
In contrast, in southern Germany, especially in Bavaria, black taxis are more common. This choice is linked to local tradition and perhaps a desire to evoke a more prestigious or formal image, often associated with luxury vehicles like black Mercedes or Audis, which are common taxi models in Germany. The black taxis in the south stand out visually against the cream-colored taxis more commonly found in the north.
The color difference is not due to a national legal mandate but regional variations in taxi livery preferences shaped by cultural factors and local regulatory permissions. In several German states, the color of taxis is no longer fixed and can vary. Six German states have recently approved the use of different taxi colors: Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Rhineland-Palatinate, the Saarland, and Saxony-Anhalt.
However, German taxis tend to be luxury models such as Mercedes and Audi regardless of color, emphasizing comfort and safety. The regulation for a uniform taxi color was implemented in the early 70s by Georg Leber, the federal transport minister at the time, when cars did not yet have air conditioning, and many taxis were black until 1971. The dark color made the vehicles uncomfortably hot for drivers and passengers.
Some skeptics question whether the roof sign is clear enough and whether a uniform color would be a better regulation. The transportation minister of Saxony-Anhalt, Lydia Hüskens (FDP), believes this new regulation brings simplifications and economic advantages for companies. Despite the approval of different taxi colors, many taxi operators still choose light ivory.
In conclusion, the regional differences in German taxi colors reflect historical, cultural, and regulatory preferences rather than any nationwide law mandating specific colors. While some regions have recently approved the use of different taxi colors, the traditional colors of light ivory in the north and black in the south continue to dominate, with many operators still choosing these colors for their vehicles.
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