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DRIVING TIPS IN GERMANY

  • If your holiday or business trip includes driving in Germany you may want to consider Sixt’s tips that will hopefully make your journey hassle free.

RULES & REGULATIONS

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  • Many driving regulations are common to England and other countries but remember to drive on the right and that priority must be given to traffic from the right at junctions. Do not signal when entering a roundabout, but when leaving it.

  • In Germany, as in the UK, you must give way to emergency vehicles and this applies whether or not the siren is sounding.

  • Drink driving is not tolerated in Germany any more than it is elsewhere and on the spot fines can be applied to offenders. The alcohol limit is 0.5, but in drivers under 21 and new drivers this drops to zero and the laws on this point are very strict.

  • A great tip for driving in Germany is that it is compulsory to carry a warning triangle and to have headlamp beam deflectors. Currently under discussion is the requirement to carry reflective jackets, and it is advisable to carry a first aid kit.

  • It is also a good idea to carry bottled water, warm clothing, a torch, mobile phone and snacks in case of breakdown or emergency.

Image by Pedro Mealha

SPEED LIMITS

  • Here are the main speed limits to remember while in Germany. A useful driving tip to know when driving in Germany is that on most parts of the Autobahns, there are no limits to the speed – which you can travel as long as you are in full control of the vehicle.

  • RURAL AREAS      100 km/h

  • BUILT-UP AREAS   50 km/h

THINGS TO BRING ALONG

  • The first essential is a full driving license, and this must be carried with you and produced on request. EU and EEA licences are accepted. Drivers must be 18 or over.

  • You must also carry proof of insurance, a full passport for ID purposes, and your V5C Certificate as proof of ownership. Of course, if you hire a car from Sixt you should carry your proof of hire.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Unsure or worried about the German rules of the road? Our branch staff in Germany will gladly answer any questions you might have when picking up your rental from the Sixt branch. We have a large rental network in Germany, including stations in all major cities and airports such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and many more. We have a large fleet of vehicle categories such as hatchbacks, luxury cars, 4x4s and more; many of which come with Loss Damage Waiver and Third Party Protection included in the price as standard.

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