DRIVING IN GERMANY

German drivers have a reputation for being fast but disciplined. Roads are smooth and impeccably maintained, even in the east of the country where great strides have been made in bringing the potholed road network inherited at reunification up to scratch.

Motorways

Germany has a dense network of Autobahnen (motorways) famous for being free of speed restrictions. However, this only applies to parts of the network. Where speed limits are posted they are generally obeyed and in any case rigorously enforced.

Even on derestricted stretches traffic congestion often keeps speeds down. A 100-mile jam was once recorded on the A7 from Hamburg to the Danish border. Routes to the Alps can be particularly busy at weekends in the ski season and summer holiday time. Don't run out of fuel on the Autobahn: it's an offence. Police are empowered to impose on-the-spot fines.

Free right turn

One traffic rule that Germany inherited from the former East Germany is a free right turn at red traffic lights. Where a green arrow is signposted at the lights, you may turn right on red after stopping to check the way is clear. At night traffic lights are often switched off or flash amber, in which case obey the give way or stop sign posted at the traffic lights. Give way to buses pulling out.

In heavily congested traffic German drivers behave with typical order. At junctions and where two lanes merge into one the zipper rule (Reissverschluss) comes into play, with cars giving way one at a time.

To park in Germany you usually need to buy a blue parking disc (Parkscheibe) available from newsagents and service stations, although parking vouchers (Parkschein) and parking meters are also common.

               

Speed limits	Urban	Open road	Motorway
Car	50 kph	100 kph	130 kph
Towing	50 kph	80 kph	80 kph
Traffic regulations
Essential equipment	Warning triangle
Minimum driving age	17 years
Drink-drive limit	50mg alcohol per 100ml blood
Child in front seat	Min 12/1.5m  years unless using child restraint
Seat Belt	Compulsory in front and rear seats
Motorcyclists	Must wear crash helmet and use headlamp at all times
Emergency telephone numbers
Police	112
Fire	112
Ambulance	112

Extracted from Haynes Glovebox guide DRIVING ABROAD by Robert Davies. This authoritive guide provides a wealth of information on all aspects of driving abroad. Order from www.haynes.co.uk