Drivers wearing face veil in Germany will now be fined as controversial ban comes into force

rivers now face a fine of 60 Euros (£53) if they cover their faces.

Although the law allows some religious head coverings such as headscarves worn by Muslim women, critics have said the move is symbolic.

Nurhan Soykan, of Germany’s Central Council of Muslims, told Deutsche Welle: “Proof of this is the fact that laws are being passed in areas that don’t need to be regulated.

“We know of no case in which a burqa or niqab wearer caused an accident that can be linked to wearing a full-body veil.”

Earlier this year, the German parliament supported a draft law banning women working in the civil service, judiciary and military from wearing a full-face Islamic veil.

German chancellor Angela Merkel announced her support for the move, saying full-face veils were “not acceptable” in the country and calling for them to be banned “wherever it is legally possible”.