Top Attractions - Germany

Attractions - Berlin

Driving Tips for Germany

· Any special requirements for driving in Germany?
· How do I recognise a motorway and minor roads on signs or on a map?
· What should I know about Parking in Germany?
· How much does fuel cost in Germany?
· What is the speed limit on German Roads?
· What is the conversion for kph to mph?
· What is the alcohol limit in Germany?
· Are there any Toll roads in Germany?
· What are the seat belt regulations in Germany?
· What is the minimum age for driving in Germany?
· Can I use my domestic licence in Germany?
· What documents may i need to carry?
· What terms may I find useful when driving in Germany?
· What do I do in the case of an accident?
· What number do I call for the emergency services in Germany?

Any special requirements for driving in Germany?
The Germans drive on the right and overtake on the left. Vehicles coming from the right have the right of way unless signs are posted otherwise. Pedestrians have the right of way as soon as they step into the crosswalk. Beware of cyclist on the bike paths, particularly when you are making a right turn. Trams in Germany always have priority, don't be afraid of them you can drive on their tracks and treat them just like other cars. Buses also have priority when leaving stops. Pedestrians at a zebra crossing have the right of way even if the lights don't indicate that!.
Germany is ideal for traveling by road due to its ultra-modern and efficient freeway network. There are approximately 11,000 km of Autobahnen (Motorway) in the Federal Republic. The motorways in Germany are often very busy particularly during peak periods. One of the most interesting facts about the German motorway system is that there are no speed limits, although appealing to some people, this can cause difficulties for those who are not used to the roads. There is an excellent network of 'B' roads in Germany, these are good for sight seeing. Other than its famous motorways Germany boasts eighty themed highways. The best known is the 300-km (180-mile) Romantic Road (Romantischestraße) which runs through Bavarian villages between Wurzburg and Füßen. Other themed roads include the Fairy Tale Road (Märchenstraße) between Frankfurt and Hannover, and the Castle Road (Schloßstraße) between Heidelberg and Nürnburg. These routes are well marked and there is information in each town along the way.

How do I recognise a motorway and minor roads on signs or on a map?
Motorways are called 'Autobahnen' and are represented by an 'A'. The letter 'B' represents secondary roads.

What should I know about Parking in Germany?
On street parking is common in Germany. You can park wherever you see a 'P' sign. The letter 'P' is white and on a blue background. This sign usually means that you can park on the street, additional information attached to this sign indicates any restrictions. Parking restrictions are clearly marked and strictly enforced. The sign "nur mit Parkschein" means that you must purchase your ticket from a pay and display machine (Parkscheinautomat). Check the parking charges on the side of the machine and you can then decide how much time you'll need and deposit the corresponding amount. Place the voucher on the dashboard where it may be easily seen from the outside. You must return to your vehicle before the expiration time shown on the voucher. Parking fines range from 10 to 50 DM and in some cases your vehicle may be "booted" (a clamp applied to a wheel) or even towed. In all cases you will need to call the police to settle the situation. Please note that you are considered to be parked if you leave your vehicle or if you stop for more than three minutes.

How much does fuel cost in Germany?
Petrol is quite expensive in Germany and prices can vary according to the time of year and location of the garage. Expect to pay about DM1.55 to DM1.75 for unleaded and DM1.65 to DM 1.85 for super unleaded. Diesel should cost you between DM1.25 and DM1.45.

What is the speed limit on German Roads?
Speed limit on Motorway: None unless shown (minimum speed 60kph)
Speed limit in Towns: 50kph
Speed limit on Major roads: 100kph

In general you will find that numbers are painted on lanes to indicate speed limits. Fines are very common for speeding in Germany and there are often hidden police cameras on the motorways. Driving 21 to 25 kph over the speed limit will result in a DM100 fine; 26 to 30 will cost you DM120; 31 to 40 and over will cost you DM200 as well as the loss of your licence for a month. If you are caught driving from 41 to 50 kph over the limit the fine is in the region of DM250 along with the loss of your licence for a month.

What is the conversion for kph to mph?
1 mile=1.6 km 1 U.S.
1km=0.6 miles

What is the alcohol limit in Germany?
It is illegal to operate a vehicle if the blood level is 0.5 per mill or higher. The law imposes a maximum penalty of DM 3,000 fine and the withdrawal of the drivers licence for specified periods of time depending upon the gravity of each violation.

Are there any Toll roads in Germany?
Motorways are Toll Free.

What are the seat belt regulations in Germany?
It is compulsory to wear a seat belt for front and rear seat passengers. It is illegal for children under 12 years of age to sit in the front seat (unless the seat is equipped with a child restraint). If your child is under 12 years of age and seated in the rear of the vehicle they must be in a child seat if such a seat is fitted. If you are found to be in violation of any of these the fine is 40 DM.

What is the minimum age for driving in Germany?
The minimum driving age in Germany is 17.

Can I use my domestic licence in Germany?
You do not need an International Driving licence when driving in Germany. A valid licence from your country of origin will suffice.

What documents may i need to carry?
You are legally required to carry your driving licence, insurance papers and registration papers (proof of ownership) with you at all times. If you have a hire car you will need to carry all the necessary documents with you also. If you fail to produce these documents, what the police do ranges from asking you to produce the document within a specified number of days, fining you or even arresting and charging you! If you get caught for an on the spot fine and are a tourist you may be asked to place a bond or deposit, if you refuse to do this you face having your vehicle impounded.

What terms may I find useful when driving in Germany?
Abblendlicht - Dipped headlights
Abstand halten - Maintain distance
Alle Richtungen - All directions
Altstadt - Oldtown
Anfang - Start, beginning
An geraden Tagen - On even days (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)
An ungeraden Tagen - On odd days (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
An Sonn- und Feiertagen - On Sundays and holidays
Anschluß - Junction
Ausfahrt - Exit
Autobahndreieck - Autobahn "T" junction
Autobahnkreuz - Autobahn junction
Bauarbeiten - Roadworks
Baustelle - Roadworks
Baustofflagerung - Roadwork equipment
Bei Nässe - During wet conditions
Belegt - Full
Besetzt - Full
Bitte Sauberhalten - Please keep this a clean place
Bis - Until
Centrum - City Center
Dauer - Duration
Einbahnstraße - One-way street
Einfahrt - Entrance
Einordnen - Enter the lane, merge
Einsatzfahrzeuge frei - Operations vehicles only
Ende - End
Fahrbahnwechsel - Change lanes
Fahrtrichtung - Direction of travel
Frei - Free, permitted
Freiefahrt - Road is clear
Frostchäden - Frost damage
Fußgänger - Pedestrian
Eigen - Own
Gasse - Lane
Gefahr/gefährlich - Danger, risk
Gesamte - Entire
Glatteisgefahr - Icy road
Grenze - Border
Grenze Kontrolle - Customs inspection
Halt - Stop
Haltestelle - Bus/tram stop
Keine, Kein - No
Keine einfahrt - No entry
Keine mofas - No mopeds
Kfz. - Motor vehicle
Krankenfahrzeuge frei - Ambulances only
Kreuzung - Intersection
Landschafts Schutzgebiet - No parking
Langsam fahren - Drive slowly
Links einbiegen - Turn left
Lösen - Take
Lkw. - Heavy trucks
Mittwoche - Wednesdays
Nur - Only
Parkhaus - Parking garage
Parkplatz - Parking lot
Parkscheibe - Parking disc
Parkschein - Parking permit ticket
Parkscheinautomat - Parking permit ticket machine
Parkuhr - Parking meter
Pkw. - Private/passenger vehicles
Polizei - Police
Radweg kreutz - Bicycle-path crossing
Raststätte - Service area
Rechts einbiegen - Turn right
Rechts fahren - Keep right
Rollsplitt - Loose Material
Sackgasse - Dead end, cul-de-sac
Schulbus - School bus
Schülerlotse - School crossing guard
Sperrgebeit - Restricted area
Sperrung - Closure
Spur - Traffic lane
Stadtzcentrum - Town center
Stadmitte - Town center
Stau - Slow traffic; drive with care
Straße - Street
Straßenbahn - Streetcar
Straßenschäden - Road damage
Streugut - Road salt/sand
Stunde(n) - Hour(s)
Tankstelle - Fuel station
Überholen - Passing
Überholen verboten - No passing
Umleitung - Detour
Unfall - Accident; drive with care
Verboten - Prohibited
Verengte Fahrbahn - Road narrows
Verkehr - Traffic
Vorfahrt beachten - Yield
Vorfahrtstraße - Priority road
Vorrang - Priority (right of way)
Vorsicht - Be careful
Weg - Way, lane
Werktags - Workdays
Wochentage - Weekdays
Zentrum - Town center
Zufahrt frei - Access permitted

What do I do in the case of an accident?
If you have an accident in Germany the first thing that you should do is call the appropriate emergency number. Emergency call boxes (Notrufsäulen) can be found at 2 km intervals along the Autobahn and every 5 to 7 km along Federal Highways (Bundesstraßen). You will see arrows on the white reflector posts lining the road to indicate the direction of the nearest emergency phone. If there is any damage to the car or to a passenger of yours or another car then calling the police is essential. You will need to take contact details and the registration number of all witnesses to the accident. If you have a camera make sure you take photographs from all angles before any vehicles are moved.

What number do I call for the emergency services in Germany?
Police/Ambulance Service - 110
Fire Service - 112

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