When travelling in Germany check what items of motoring equipment are required.
 Other Information
Speed Limit - km/hr (mph)
Motorways
|
Motorways
(min speed) |
Major roads outside towns |
Built-up
areas |
| 130 (81) |
60 (37) |
100 (62) |
50 (31) |
.With trailer:
| 80 (50) compulsory |
60 (37) |
80 (50) |
50 (31) |
.
- Visibility < 50 metres, maximum speed 50 km/hr (31 mph)
Seat Belts
- Compulsory in front seats and rear seats if fitted.
- Under 12 years and under 150cm in rear unless using approved child seat.
Motorways
- Motorways (autobahns) are toll-free.
- Service areas are frequent.
- Junctions are often complex - take care when entering and leaving.
- Lane discipline has to be good, speeds can be very high on the
..unrestricted sections.
- It is an offence to run out of fuel.
Drinking and Driving
The level of alcohol in the blood must be below 0.5 g/l.
Minimum Tyre Depth
1.8mm.
Fines
- Police are authorised to impose and collect fines on the spot. They
..must issue a receipt for the amount paid.
- Offences can include : Speeding, Parking, Abusive Language, and
..Making Derogatory Signs.
Parking
- A parking disc system operates in major towns, discs available from
..police, tourist offices and tobacconists.
- Parking meters can also be found in certain areas.
Emergency Phone Numbers
- Police 110
- Fire Service 112
- Ambulance 110 (115 in former East Germany)
Additional Notes
- Driving licence and vehicle documents should be carried at all times.
- Speed cameras are common.
- Buses have right of way when leaving bus stops.
- Use dipped headlights in poor visibility.
- Do not pass school buses that have red lights flashing.
- In built-up areas, use of horn only for emergencies. |
Warning: Winter Tyres
On the 4th December 2010, new regulations regarding winter tyre requirements were introduced in Germany.
This new regulation applies to all motorised vehicles using roads in Germany, including those registered abroad so vehicles registered in the United Kingdom are affected. It is now prohibited to use summer tyres in Germany during winter weather conditions - summer tyres are predominantly fitted to vehicles in the United Kingdom.
Winter weather conditions include black ice, snow, ice, slush and hoarfrost. Please bear in mind that these conditions may also be present even if the temperature is above 0 degrees.
German law specifies that the tyres must be winter tyres or all season tyres designed for use in wintry conditions. Suitable tyres will normally be marked 'M+S', however these can also be marked with a snow flake or snowy mountains symbol.
Motorists, whose car is equipped with summer tyres may not take the car on the road in winter weather conditions. Motorists in violation face fines of Euro20. If they actually obstruct traffic, the fine is Euro40. You may also be prevented from continuing your journey unless the tyres are changed or the weather conditions change.
Warning: Radar Detectors
 In Germany it is illegal to be in possession of a radar detector, even if it is not fitted or being used and the police can issue heavy on the spot fines and confiscate any equipment. Travel Spot's advice is to remove both the fittings and the radar detector from your vehicle before driving in Germany.
Please be aware this legislation also applies to SatNavs that show Speed Camera positions. If your SatNav has this feature it must be disabled. This can normally be done by deactivating the 'camera warning' feature within the SatNav menu or by downloading a software patch from the manufacturer's website.
Staying on the Right Side of the Law
Find out more about the consequences of not meeting European Motoring requirements... More info
Pricing & Delivery
All prices include VAT.
Get FREE delivery in the UK for all orders over £35 inc VAT.
Click here for our standard delivery charges.
|
Germany: Country Check
