Munich. It's a game of two halves, and it's all about getting the ball in the back of the net - but for fans of the horn-honking "car processions" imported from Southern Europe as a way of celebrating after major soccer clashes, it's all about showing allegiance. Before drivers take to the streets for their "extra time," they decorate their cars with the obligatory national flags. But one person's celebration can quickly become another's injury time owing to poor quality material, inadequate fastenings, or incorrect attachment of the flags.

The experts at TÜV SÜD have assembled some tips to ensure that drivers who celebrate the FIFA Soccer World Cup" on the streets don't get the red card.

Small flags for side windows, large flags for the hood, bunting and pennants for the car interior - there's no limit to the imagination of soccer fans. At the FIFA Soccer World Cup" from June 11 - July 11, national flags will sell like hot cakes. Drivers planning to show their allegiance by "flagging up" their cars should watch out for a few features when choosing their purchases. "Clips and brackets are particularly variable in quality. If they break, other road users could be endangered," warns Philip Puls from TÜV SÜD. Injuries may also result if flags are left on cars during longer drives or even on roadways. "Conventional car flags designed to clip into windows can cope with maximum speeds of 50 kilometers per hour (31 mph); after this, the brackets may snap. Never drive outside a city with flags still on the car," says Puls. If fan items are torn off a moving car, they may endanger following vehicles. Although these products do not have quality marks that consumers can use as guidelines for their purchase, fastening instructions or other product information can give an indication of quality. Correct and clear use of language in instructions is evidence of the manufacturer's quality consciousness.

One aspect that is important in more places than the stadium is unobstructed vision. Flags should never be attached to cars in such a way that they impede the view of the driver. This also applies to the interior rearview mirror, which should be kept clear of pennants, scarves, or mascots. Being seen is equally vital for drivers celebrating on the streets.

Ensure that your car lights are not obstructed, and that flags are kept clear from headlights and any hot car parts. It goes without saying that stickers have no place on headlights.

While on the subject, stickers on windows also obstruct vision - from both the inside out and the outside in! If your car has only one external mirror, the rear windshield must also be kept clear. Holding flagpoles out of windows is prohibited while the car is in motion. Insurance companies will only honor claims if fan items are correctly attached.

From flying flags to wetting whistles, many municipalities have taken the step of classifying car processions as demonstrations, particularly during major sporting events. As demonstrations, they are thus directed to specially protected areas and streets previously closed to normal traffic by the police - but where the rules of the road still apply. Drivers are limited to minimum alcohol levels (0.3 mg per ml). "Drivers with zero mg per ml can be sure of being in total control over both their vehicle and their passengers," notes Puls. This also applies to the increasingly popular activity known as "surfing," in which passengers lean out of windows and sunroofs. Puls comments, "Passengers who lean out of side windows are at serious risk of injury even at low speeds. Drivers should ensure they keep a cool head and have their passengers well under control."

More information for drivers is available at www.tuev-sued.de.

For more information, contact:
Frank Volk
TÜV SÜD AG
Corporate Communications
Westendstaße 199, 80686 Munich
Telephone: +49 (0) 89 / 57 91-16 67
Fax: +49 (0) 89 / 57 91-22 69
Email: frank.volk@tuev-sued.de
Internet: www.tuev-sued.de

TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH, a TÜV SÜD company, offers services from roadworthiness and exhaust emission testing to driving licence tests. Services also include expert damage and value assessment as well as used car certificates and vehicle management. With approx. 300 service centers throughout southern Germany, TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH supports about 10,000 private and business customers every day.

TÜV SÜD is a leading international service organization catering to the strategic business segments INDUSTRY, MOBILITY, and PEOPLE. Approximately 15,000 employees are represented at more than 600 locations throughout the world. Optimizing technology, systems, and know-how, the interdisciplinary specialist teams act as process partners to strengthen their customers' competitiveness.