Drive in Germany

While there are no speed limits on Germany’s fast-paced autobahn motorways, there are lots of traffic laws you’ll need to follow throughout the country. As long as you have a valid foreign license, you should be able to legally drive on German roads during your visit. Many aspects of driving in Germany are similar to other nations, but there are a number of quirks you’ll need to keep in mind. If you familiarize yourself with the rules of the road in advance, you’ll be much more likely to have stress-free driving experiences.

Steps

Meeting Licensing Requirements

1. Verify that your foreign driver’s license will be recognized in Germany. If your driver’s license is issued by member state of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you can use it in Germany as you would in the issuing nation. In general, licenses issued by non-EU/EEA nations are valid in Germany for 6 months.
   • You must be 18 or older to drive in Germany, even if you hold a valid license in your nation of residence.
   • If you hold a U.S. driver’s license, you may continue to drive in Germany for up to 364 days. However, you’ll need to go to your local registration office (Führerscheinstelle) and show proof of your stay's duration, such as an airline ticket or work contract with an expiration date less than a year.
2. Ensure you have third-party liability Get-Car-Insurance-While-Traveling-Abroad, at a minimum. Contact your current insurer and ask if they offer coverage abroad. If you’re not able to take out a policy with your current insurer, shop around for a German insurance company.
   • If you plan on driving a rental, purchase coverage when you make your reservation.
   • There are approximately 130 automobile insurers in Germany. Shop around online, and contact companies to ask if they offer premium reductions for safe driving records for drivers from your country.
3. Keep your required documents in your vehicle. When you’re on the road, you’ll need to keep your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and proof of registration in your vehicle. If you’re visiting from another country, you’ll also need to carry your passport or travel document while driving.
   • If you’re driving a vehicle that belongs to someone else (or if you’re driving a company car), you should also carry written permission from the registered owner.
4. Get a German license after 6 months if you’re from a non-EU/EEA nation. First, head to your nation’s embassy or consulate and get a German translation of your foreign license. While you’re there, ask if your nation has a reciprocal licensing agreement with Germany. If there’s an agreement, you’ll only need to visit a driving registration office to apply for a German license.
   • When you go to the office, bring the original and translated copies of your license, your passport, and your German residency registration certificate. If your nation doesn’t have a reciprocal agreement with Germany, you’ll also need to pass practical and theoretical driving tests, take a first aid class, and undergo a vision exam.
   • Not all U.S. states have a reciprocal agreement with Germany. If your license was issued in the U.S., see if your state shares an agreement Germany at https://de.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/driving-in-germany.

Following Basic Traffic Laws

1. Familiarize yourself with German traffic signs. While you’ll probably find 3-color stoplights and octagonal stop signs familiar, there are hundreds of uniquely German road signs. Many are fairly self-explanatory, but it’s helpful to develop a basic vocabulary of German signage.
   • For example, a circular sign with a red border and a number in the middle means maximum speed limit; a blue circular sign with a number in the middle is the minimum speed.
   • See a list of road signs with explanations at https://www.adac.de/_mmm/pdf/fi_verkehrszeichen_engl_infobr_0915_30482.pdf.
2. Drive on the right side of the road. Additionally, you should stay in the lane furthest to the right whenever 2 or more lanes travel in the same direction. The lanes to the left are primarily for passing.
   • If you’re in the left lane and are moving slower than surrounding traffic, you could be issued a citation.
3. Pass other vehicles only on the left. In most cases, passing on the right is illegal and is taken more seriously in Germany than other countries. When passing, turn on your signal, ensure no oncoming vehicles are approaching, then overtake the car in front of you on the left, or driver’s, side.
   • When you’re on an autobahn, keep in mind cars travel at high speeds and may approach faster than you expected. Before passing, look as far behind you as possible, then pass and return to the right lane quickly.
4. Follow posted speed limits. In general, speed limits are 50 kph (about 31 mph) in urban areas and 100 kph (about 62 mph) in rural areas. Motorways, or autobahns, have no mandated speed limit, but the recommended maximum speed is 130 kph (about 80 mph).
   • Despite the recommended 130 kph limit, you will encounter vehicles traveling at speeds upwards of 160 kph (about 100 mph)
   • If you’re used to speeds calculated in miles and need a rough conversion, drop the 0 of a speed limit posted in km/h, then multiply by 6. For example, 50 kph would be 5 x 6, which gives you a rough estimate of 30 mph.
5. Give right of way to vehicles on the right. Unless a traffic controlling device or sign directs otherwise, priority goes to the right. For example, if 2 cars come to a stop sign at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.
   • An exception would be if a vehicle was merging onto a main road from a side street, driveway, or dirt road. In this case, vehicles traveling on the busier road have right of way.
   • Remember that pedestrians have right away once they've started crossing the street and whenever they're in crosswalk.
6. Don’t drink and drive. In Germany, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, which is lower than many other nations. The penalty for blood alcohol levels between 0.05 and 0.10% is a fine. A level above 0.11% is a crime and usually results in the suspension of the driver’s license for 6 to 12 months.
   • Note that the legal limit for professional drivers and those under age 21 is 0.0%.

Abiding by Unique Rules of the Road

1. Equip your vehicle with winter tires in icy or snowy conditions. In Germany, you’re required to use winter tires in wintry weather conditions. It’s best to outfit your vehicle with winter-rated tires in Germany. Many winter-rated tires in the U.K., for instance, do not meet German winter tire standards.
   • Additionally, you might see a sign with a tire that has chains around it. This is a snow tire sign, and it means that vehicles must be equipped with snow chains in order to travel on the road ahead. You can rent snow chains at most gas stations and service centers.
2. Keep a warning triangle in your vehicle. In the event of an accident or breakdown, you’re required to display a reflective warning triangle {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} behind your disabled vehicle. You can find them online and at auto supply stores. If you’re driving a rental, your agency might provide a triangle.
   • It's also wise to keep a first aid kit and reflective vest in your vehicle at all times.
3. Operate a cell phone only if you have a hands-free headset. It’s illegal in Germany to hold or use a mobile phone with your hands while operating a vehicle. Invest in a hands-free headset if you absolutely need to talk on the phone while driving.
   • If you need to hold your phone or send a text, you must pull off of the road and put your vehicle in park.
4. Call 110 or 112 for Call-Emergency-Services in case of an accident. Any accident, no matter how minor, must be reported to the police. Call 110 to reach the police if there are no injuries. If someone is injured and requires an ambulance, call 112.
   • In Germany, even if you lightly tap someone’s bumper while parking, you must call the police. Don’t simply leave a note with your information as is customary in some locations. You could be charged with hit and run and leaving the scene of an accident.

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References

See also

• Drive in Traffic
• Effectively Honk Your Horn
• Practice Good Road Etiquette
• Drive a Car (in General)
• Drive a Vehicle
• Locate an Address when Driving
• Drive Below the Speed Limit
• Drive Onto a Curb
• Drive to Help Someone Follow You
• Drive an Excavator

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