Discovering Germany

Driving Rules and Regulations

While it is true that driving in Germany is often associated with driving freedom and no speed limits, reality suggests caution. Radar speed traps can be found frequently on the autobahn and in residential areas. The same is true for red-light offenders who get caught by mounted cameras. Speeding can result in heavy fines, penalty points, and even the consequential loss of your German license. Fines are applied to irregularities such as illegally passing on the right, illegal parking and driving while intoxicated. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 ‰ when driving and any levels above this limit will be fined. For blood levels above 1.1 ‰, driving becomes a criminal offence. For drivers on probation, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0 ‰ when driving. German law requires that all automobiles have a portable red reflective triangle and a first aid kit in their vehicle. If a car is stopped for any reason, the triangle must be placed 200 meters behind the car if on the autobahn and 100 meters behind the car on all other roads. The car's emergency lights should also be turned on. Germany also has a complicated right of way rule. Unless otherwise posted, the driver coming from the right at an intersection has the right of way. Just because you are on what looks to be a major road, does not mean you are on the "priority" road. A diamond-shaped sign (yellow in the center surrounded by a white border) tells you if you are on a priority road. + The basic speed limit is 50 kph (about 30 mph) in residential areas or 30 kph (about 10 mph respectively) which are designated areas, and 100 kph (about 60 mph) elsewhere + The official documentation for a vehicle ( Fahrzeugschein ) should be in the vehicle at all times + Motorcyclists must wear helmets and drive with the headlight on at all times + You must stop for anyone using, or preparing to use, a white-striped "zebra" pedestrian crossing + Buses have the right of way when they're pulling out from bus stops + Round blue signs with white arrows inside them show permitted directions of travel. For example, if there are arrows pointing both up and to the right it means you have your choice of straight ahead or right, but left is prohibited. If there is a single arrow pointing left it means "left turn only” + Motorists may not pass a bus that signals with its indicator that it is approaching one of its stops. Once the bus has stopped, you can pass it, but at walking speed. Cars headed in the opposite direction must also use walking speed when a bus is stopped with its indicator on Winter Tires Since December of 2010, you are legally obliged to have “M+S” tires during winter; you face a fine if you drive your car without those tires. When causing an accident without the tires, you are no longer covered by insurance.

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Discovering Germany