Cars
Driving around Germany is a pleasing and flexible way to see the country. In Germany roads are usually excellent, the country’s pride are its 11,000 Km of freeways (Autobahnen) which expand to all corners of the land. More than 700 filling stations, service areas and hotels are open around the clock. However, almost all bigger cities suffer from a severe parking problem. In theory, there is no speed limit on the Autobahns but many drivers going too fast report that they have been stopped by the police and fined, and the government recommends a speed limit of 130kmph (80 mph). Other extensive networks are the highways or secondary roads (Bundesstrassen). No tolls are charged on public roads.
Gasoline is available throughout Germany and the stations (SB-TANKEN) appear along the Autobahns. In Germany, gas is much more expensive than in the USA.
In Germany, there are many companies that can assistance if you have a breakdown; the major automobile club in Germany is Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD). Autobahns have an emergency lane where you're allowed to stop only in case of a breakdown.
Rental cars
Cars can be rented at any time of day or night in most towns and cities, and at more than 40 railway stations, from companies such as Avis, Hertz and Sixt. The cost depends on the type of car. Customers can choose from a wide range of well-maintained vehicles, from compact car to executive saloon to van. Some companies offer special weekly rates with unlimited mileage. Rental cars can also be picked up from airports, railway stations or hotels by request.
If you are from EU countries, you only need a domestic license to drive. However, in Europe, including Germany, you must also haven an international insurance certificate, knows as green card (carta verte). If you rent a car, the agency will automatically provide one of these as a standard part of the rental contract.
Road traffic regulations
In Germany, as in other countries, the usual road traffic regulations apply. Traffic drives on the right, a red light means stop and green means go. Overtaking on the right is prohibited.
For cars without trailers, the speed limit outside built-up areas is 100 km/h. Within built-up areas the limit is 50 km/h. Road signs with the name of the town or village indicate that you are entering a built-up area and signs with a red line through the place name indicate that you are leaving. A maximum speed of 130 km/h is recommended on the autobahns. Cars with trailers (including caravans) are not allowed to exceed 80 km/h on any roads including autobahns.
There are no tolls for cars on Germany's autobahns. Drivers are required to carry a valid driver's licence, the vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance. It is compulsory to keep a hazard warning triangle and first aid box in the car. The minimum driving age is 18 years.
The law requires seatbelts to be worn in both front and rear seats.
Child seats are mandatory for children up to the age of four, and children up to the age of 12 or a height of 1.50m must use booster cushions.
Motorcyclists must wear helmets.
The blood alcohol limit is 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. Drivers found to be over the limit (breath test and blood sample) can expect severe penalties and the loss of their driving licence. If a driver who has been drinking is involved in an accident, whether or not he caused it, he will be punished for drink-driving even if he is below this limit.
Mobile phones may only be used in conjunction with a hands-free system.
Failure to comply with road traffic laws can be punished by a fine or even the loss of your driving licence.