With its advanced automobile industry, unrestricted highways, extensive network of roads, and all of it completely toll-free, Germany is undoubtedly a paradise for driving enthusiasts. After experiencing driving here, you might find yourself marveling at how the back half of your car’s dashboard seems to have been designed specifically for Germany.
Civilized driving requires careful preparation before setting off.
Valid Driving License
Driving a motor vehicle in Germany with a foreign driver’s license that is not recognized or no longer recognized by Germany will result in penalties for driving without a license.
Navigation Preparation
Navigation is the lifeline of driving, so it’s best to prepare multiple navigation methods just in case. Rental car companies may offer GPS navigation devices, or you can bring your own.
Refueling and Parking
In Germany, due to high labor costs, refueling and parking are entirely self-service. Gas stations may have 1 or 2 cashiers at the counter, and parking lots are entirely unmanned.
Free Parking
Usually limited in time, available on the roadside. After parking, set the parking timer card to the time you parked, place it conspicuously on the front windshield, and exceeding the parking time limit may result in a fine from the police.
Traffic Rules
STOP signs must be fully stopped at for three seconds;
Pedestrians have absolute right of way, and vehicles must yield to pedestrians;
Germans have a strong sense of right of way. Common scenarios include yielding to straight-moving traffic while turning, giving way to main roads from side roads, and yielding to vehicles already inside roundabouts. To avoid accidents, always give way to vehicles with right of way when you don’t have it.
Germany is the only country in the world with unrestricted highways, a widely circulated saying. However, this statement is not entirely accurate. A more precise description would be “Germany has the only highways in the world with no speed limits.” In reality, many roads in Germany do have speed limits, with approximately half of the highways having no speed limit. When on unrestricted highways, all vehicles tend to accelerate. Avoid driving in the overtaking lane, and after overtaking, return promptly to the driving lane.
