Just to clear off some rumours:
Yes, there is more competition now that the monopoly of the TÜV (and DEKRA in the "new" states known as former GDR) has ended, but most of the "relaxing" of this bullshit regarding turn signal distances etc. comes from something different that many of you may have a hard time to believe it's possible: It was EU-regulation homologation! Rare thing, I know, but sometimes it means tougher standards in some countries, in others where the regulation has already been way tougher than anywhere else in the EU, it means a relief. And that caused these regulations to be gone.
This is not only good I must say... I had an Audi A6 years ago and was looking for some LED rear lights. There were some very nice looking ones with an E-number (so officially approved; but tested in Spain, not in Germany, though it was a german product... suspicious...) available that were widely discussed on a Motor-Talk-Forum. These had a big issue though: the LED's were mounted in a wrong angle, which caused them almost not to be visible even when on from behind the car. Now imagine, the car in front of you has such tail lights, the driver needs to brake and you don't see the brake lights going on. Fun, eh? Wonder how they got the approval...
There have always been TÜV tester who wanted to help and those that refused to do anything. Basically, it comes down to 3 reasons: not every TÜV-Tester is allowed to approve "specials" and those who are, are fully responsible for what they approve. That said, they also get tested by their own organisation with "under cover" experts, naturally just for quality assurance. Next point is: no-one can really know everything. That does not excuse the fundamental lack of knowledge I have experienced with some of these guys, however, you know your bikes better than anyone in the rest of the world. Some of these guys see their first Laverda, some have not even been born when your bike was produced. Do you know every detail of a 1953 German Triumph (TWN)? I don't and I restored my fathers... In Germany (and sure in other places, too), there are also different regulations, depending on when the bike/car has been first time on the road etc. etc. Years ago, the TÜV testers knew the bikes well and therefore also were very picky on what changes they accepted. The ones today are so young they accept these are historic machines and that they do not know anything about them, so you get away with a lot of modifications (unless they are really dangerous or not working properly.
@Jo My DEKRA-Tester told me that they are not allowed to test ride bikes with other shifting patterns than standard (left side, first down, rest up). This is to safe them from claims if something goes wrong. He asks me though to accelerate and brake with front and after that with rear brake to see if both are at least basically working...
Finally: TÜV isn't all bad. In general, it makes our living and driving safer. They have indeed found serious issues on 2-3 occasions over the past 40 years that were really dangerous. If you think they are useless, take a look at the "TÜV Turkey" film... It reports what comes to the TÜV organisations in Turkey roughly 5 or so years after they have been implemented. No wonder the accident rate was twice as high as in the EU and mortality rate in traffic accidents in Turkey went down very quickly since implementation of regular TÜV inspections...
So - overall, my recent experiences were really good with the local DEKRA station. They one guy there that can approve exceptions is really willing to help, but within the legal boundaries, which is absolutely OK for me. If you are not happy with yours, change the location. enough alternatives in short distance...
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