Germany

cooperative drivers, great roads

Driving in Germany does indeed offer an amazing variety and a marvelous road network and can be a rewarding experience. Driving in Germany is said to be a pleasure as the roads are in excellent condition and the drivers are generally well trained and cooperative. One of the main attractions when driving in Germany is the Autobahn (motorway).

For a link to advice from the AA please click here

*information correct at time of publishing

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Documents you must carry in the vehicle

• Driving licence
• Passport
• Green card (or insurance document) - we supply this for rentals
• VE103 (or log book - photocopy is unacceptable) - we supply this for rentals
• 'Letter of Authority' to rent the vehicle - we supply this for rentals
• Rental Agreement - we supply this for rentals

What you must have in the vehicle

• Spare bulb set
• Warning Triangle
• High Viz jack for every person traveling in the vehicle
• First Aid Kit
• Snow chains - in accordance with local signs

Speed

• 31 mph (50 km/h) - Built-up areas
• 62 mph (100 km/h) - Outside built-up areas
• 80 mph (130 km/h) - Dual carriageways
• 80 mph (130 km/h) - Motorways
• 31 mph (50km/h) - Bad weather below 50m visibility or with Snow Chains fitted

Travelling with children

• Children 3 years and over must be transported on the rear seats of vehicles.
• Children under 12 years of age and measuring less than 1.50m travelling in any type of vehicle must be seated in a child seat or child restraint.
• A child under 3 years old may not be transported in a vehicle without child restraint/seat.
• All child restraints/seats used must conform to the ECE 44/03 norm. 

Do's

• Use snow tyres in winter conditions or face a fine recomended from October.
• Use snow chains when required for extreme weather
• You must use dipped headlights in poor daytime visibility
• Wear seatbelts where fitted
• At roundabouts always give priority to traffic coming from the left
• It’s compulsory to use dipped headlights during the day if fog, snow or rain

Dont's

• Do not use normal tyres during winter conditions from October onwards
• You must deactivate the speed camera alert on sat navs or you could be slapped with an on the spot fine
• The legal limit is 49 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. If you’re under 21 or have held your licence for less than 2 years there is a zero limit and you could be fined €250 if even a small amount of alcohol is detected.
• Dont not swear at people whiles driving
• You must not overtake or pass a school bus that is approaching a stopping point (indicated by flashing hazard lights) and could be fined for doing so