Driving in Germany

General:

• There are no tolls to pay on German Autobahns


• Strict drink driving laws, only allowing 0.5 per mil blood alcohol


• Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere


• No hand-held mobile phones are allowed while driving


• To hire cars you'll need to be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driving licence and a major credit card

Speed limits:

• Speed limits are implemented rigorously, radar traps are frequent


• City 31mph/50kph, two laned highway 62mph/100kph


• Unless otherwise marked, most motorways (Autobahns) have no speed limit but 81mph/130kph is recommended

Driving license:

• Every valid driving licence is accepted


• Non-EU (European Union) members need an international driving license or an official German translation

Rules of the road:

• If there is no policeman, no signal or no sign indicating the right-of-way, then right-of-way is always given to traffic approaching from the right - This also includes situations where main roads and small side streets cross at uncontrolled intersections


• Driving is on the right hand side, overtaking only on the left side