Ultimate Guide to Driving in Germany

With a car, you have the freedom to travel at your own pace and explore the best of Germany in your own time. However, before hitting the German roads, it's important to familiarise yourself with German driving laws, road signs and parking regulations. With the right knowledge and hire car excess insurance in place, you will be ready for a smooth and stress-free experience driving through Germany.

The Basics

• Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Minimum driving age is 18, though most car hire companies require drivers to be at least 21–25.
• Always carry your driving licence, passport, insurance documents and car hire agreement with you.

German Rules of the Road

• Give way to the right (Rechts vor Links) at intersections unless otherwise indicated.
• Overtake on the left only - overtaking on the right is strictly forbidden on most roads (except in slow-moving traffic on the autobahn).
• On steep roads, uphill traffic has priority.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
• Headlights should be used in poor visibility conditions.
• Using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free system is illegal.
• Horns are only to be used to warn of danger.

Speed Limits in Germany

Speed cameras and average-speed checks are common. If you are driving a hire car, fines can be forwarded to your car hire company which means that as well as paying the fine, it's likely you'll also have to pay and admin fee.

*Although the Autobahn famously has no speed limits, some sections do. This is most common near cities, junctions or in bad weather.

It's important to note that radar detectors and GPS alerts for speed cameras are illegal in Germany. Fines can reach €75 or potentially even more.

Driving on the Autobahn: A Mini Guide

No Universal Speed Limit

Although many stretches of the Autobahn don't have a speed limit, the recommended speed is 130 km/h which is around 80mph.

Keep Right and Overtake Left

Always drive in the right-hand lane unless you're overtaking. Once you've finished overtaking, you should return to the right lane as soon as it's safe to do so.

Staying in the left lane unnecessarily is known as left-lane hogging and may result in a fine.

Lane Discipline

As well as hogging the left lane, middle lane driving is also discouraged unless you're overtaking or there is a lot of traffic.

Stopping Rules

Stopping or parking on the Autobahn, including on the hard shoulder, is prohibited unless it's an emergency or you've broken down.

Running out of a fuel is considered a preventable offence and can lead to fines.

Entering and Exiting

Autobahn entries are marked with 'Einfahrt'; exits are marked with 'Ausfahrt'. Exits can appear quickly so make sure to plan your exit early and use your indicators well in advance to warn others around you.

Traffic Lights in Germany

Traffic lights operate in Germany as you would expect them to: red means stop, amber before green means prepare to go and amber after green means stop unless it's unsafe to. A flashing amber light means you should proceed with caution.

German Road Signs

German road signs follow European conventions so you should recognise their shape and colour.

Tolls

Most German roads are toll-free for private cars however heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and foreign tourist buses will have to pay tolls.

If you plan to drive out of Germany and onto Austrian or Swiss motorways, you will need a vignette - a toll sticker. If you've hired a car and you plan to leave Germany you'll need to check this is okay with the rental firm.

Parking Rules in Germany

Cars that are parked incorrectly can be fined, towed or clamped.

It's important to know that you also must always park in the direction of traffic flow.

Child Safety Rules

• Children under 12 years or under 150 cm must use an approved child seat.
• Rear-facing seats are required for infants under 9 kg.
• Children under 3 years cannot travel without a suitable restraint.

Other Road Rules to be Aware of When Driving in Germany

• The blood alcohol limit in Germany is 0.05%. For new drivers with less than two years experience and drivers under 21 the limit is 0.00%.
• There must be one reflective vest per passenger in the vehicle.
• Having a warning triangle is mandatory.
• A first aid kit is required in every vehicle.
• Winter tyres are mandatory in icy or snowy conditions.

If you fail to comply with these rules you might receive a fine or points on your licence.

Driving in Germany FAQs

Do I Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

If you hold a licence from the UK, EU, or EEA, you do not need an IDP. Drivers from outside these regions may require one so you should check before travelling.

What Documents Do I Need?

Make sure to keep the following in your car:

• Full and valid driving licence
• Passport or ID card
• Proof of insurance
• Vehicle registration documents
• Car hire agreement

What Euipment Must I Carry?

Alongside the aforementioned compulsory equipment, optional but useful things to carry include things like spare bulbs, torches, phone chargers and water.

Car Hire Excess Insurance

If you're hiring a car in Germany you should consider taking out an excess insurance policy for hire cars. This coverage reimburses you the fees, upon a successful claim, that you might be charged if you return your hire car with damage, or if it's been stolen.

Rental firms do often offer their own excess waivers but independent excess policies offered by companies like Eversure usually provide broader protection at a lower cost.

Final Thoughts

From the Black Forest to Berlin, knowing German road rules, understanding how the signs work and staying alert will mean a safe and stress-free journey.