 | | | | | Germany
General Driving Information
Directions, Restrictions and Rules, Safety, Motorists' Forum |  |  | | Overview |  | | General Info
Germany was the first country in the world to develop a national system of superhighways, and for many years its Autobahn system was a model for other nations. After unification, Autobahns in the eastern part of the country were significantly upgraded. Today Germany has nearly 6,000mi/9660km of Autobahns and an extremely well developed network of lesser highways. This makes traversing this country exceptionally easy and pleasant, and the German network is interconnected with networks in neighboring countries. Germany is about 500mi/805km long (from north to south) and 400mi/644km wide in its longest dimensions. Requirements
You must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1-3 years depending on the car category reserved. Drivers age 21-22 must purchase CDW. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. Child safety seats are mandatory for children up to age 6. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed Limits
Speed limits in Germany are as follows: City 31mph/50kph Open Roads 62mph/100kph Highways 81mph/130kph is recomended but most autobahns have no speed limit. Rules of the Road
Traffic travels on the right and streetcars do not have the right of way. They should be passed on the right on a two way street and on either side on a one-way street. Avoid the far left lane on the autobahn as speeds can easily exceed 100mph/161kph. Fuel
Most fuel stations are open from 8am to 8pm. There are stations open 24 hours in some major cities and on the autobahn. Tolls
There are no toll highways in Germany. Parking
Parking is allowed only on the right side of the road except on one-way streets where both sides are valid. Parking spaces with meters are usually free of charge at night. | | Car Rental Restrictions | | General Information
Most car categories can be driven anywhere in Western Europe without restriction. Due to insurance regulations, there are restrictions on luxury car categories and on travel in certain countries. Auto Europe has special rental programs for driving into Eastern Europe. Please take a minute to ensure that your intended itinerary will be possible with the car you plan to rent. Restricted Countries
Cars rented in Germany are allowed into the following countries when arrangements are made in advance with Auto Europe: Belarus, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Herzegovina, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine and Yugoslavia. Please advise us to which countries you plan to travel. Luxury cars are not allowed into Italy. Note: For an additional fee, travel into most or all of these countries can be arranged for specific car categories with advance notice. One-Way Rentals
Domestic one-way rentals are unrestricted and free of charge. There are fees for international one-way rentals and not all vehicles are allowed. | | Useful Terms | | Detour - Umleitung
Diesel - Diesel
Entrance - Eingang, Einfahrt
Exit - Ausgang
Forbidden - Verboten
Four Lane Highway - Landstrasse
Gasoline - Benzin
Motor oil - Motor Oel, Öl
No parking - Parken verboten
One-way - Einbahnstrasse
Police - Polizei | | General Driving and Safety Tips | The first thing you may notice when driving in a foreign country is that the roadway signs are different. In many countries, the speed limit is posted in kilometers, and warnings will be written in the country's native language. Sometimes, speed limits are not posted at all, and drivers will travel much faster than the driver is accustomed to traveling. Depending on what part of the world you are driving in, you may find that travellers drive on the left-hand side of the road and that the steering wheel is located on the right-hand side of the car.
Check to see if the country where you will be driving requires mandatory equipment in the vehicle. Frequent mandatory items include: first aid kit, reflective warning triangle, reflective vest, spare fuses and light bulbs, fire extinguisher.
It may be wise to practice driving in a less populated area before you try to drive in a foreign city at rush hour.
Know your route of travel.
Chart your course of travel before you take to the road, and keep a good map with you.
Always have at least one-half tank of gas.
Make sure that the lights, signals, horn, and brakes work properly.
Avoid driving after dark, especially in rural areas.
Always park in places that have good lighting.
Always use safety belts. Some countries have penalties for violation of seat belt laws.
After exiting or entering the car, lock the doors.
In many countries, driving while under the influence is a very serious crime that could result in severe criminal penalties. Never drink and drive.
Avoid riding motorcycles. If you do ride a motorcycle, make sure you wear a helmet.
Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry your IDP and your both, the National and the International, driver's license with you at all times.
Look at maps and plan your route thoroughly. Check for online maps and route planning systems.
Research the roads you’ll take. You’ll especially want to know if you’ll be traveling through areas of major road construction. Ensure the maps you are using are up-to-date. Check the roads before you go!Make estimates of travel times along the route, so you’ll have an idea when you’ll be at certain points on your trip. This will help you to plan rest and meal stops. It will also help you plan to avoid traveling through a major city or area of road construction during rush hour.Get the car checked, especially the filters, belts, fluid levels and have the oil changed. Don’t wait until the last minute, it may take time to get an appointment and parts may need to be ordered. You also want some time to drive around town and make sure that whatever they fixed stays fixed.Check the condition of your wiper blades.
Check the operation of your turn signals, brake lights as well as the high and low beams.
Examine the tread on your tires.
Make sure your car is prepared for the weather it will encounter on your trip.
Today, many cars have alloy wheels instead of hubcaps. These wheels usually have a lock to prevent them from being stolen. If you have a car with wheel locks, make sure you know where the key is stored (often with the jack). Otherwise, a flat tire will become a major problem since you won't be able to get the wheel off the car.
Get your car cleaned. You’ll feel better in a clean car.Pack an emergency kit in your car. Include motion sickness medication if anyone in your group suffers from it. Remove any items from the car that you won’t need on your trip.Prepare some on road entertainment for your trip. Include games and CDs of music and/or audio books.
Check your plates, registration and insurance information to make sure they are all valid. Be sure to place your insurance company’s emergency contact number in your car.Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile.
Safety First
Seat Belts: No matter where you are driving, it is imperative that you wear your seat belt. Almost all countries this is a strict law, but aside from that seatbelts are there to save your life, so make use of them.
Avoid the temptation of road rage. Honking and yelling at the drivers around you is probably more likely to make someone get out their tire iron than to help get traffic moving. Be patient.
Drive carefully and slowly in wet and windy weather. If possible, stop and wait for the weather to settle down.
Fully service your car before leaving and ensure everything is running correctly. Local Regulations
It is wise to learn in advance the rules and regulations of the country to which you are traveling. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than they are at home. Exercise good judgment and remember that some countries have a "zero tolerance" policy with severe penalties for those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Drug violations, firearms possession, photography of government or military installations, and antiques purchases are frequent cause of detention by local authorities. |  Driving Directions. Road Maps. Interactive "zoomable" Country Maps. | | Australia and New Zealand . Europe . Middle East . North America . South America |
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