Driving in Germany
For new arrivals to Germany, it may be a good idea to consider undertaking a few driving lessons in Germany to familiarise yourself with the German road system. The BAESG office have contacts of English-speaking driving instructors who can help individuals prepare to drive on the German roads, and hopefully help those more nervous drivers gain a little more confidence:-
Fahrschule Christine Timmer: http://www.fahrschule-christine-timmer.de
At the end of this section is a '
DRIVING TEST' which highlights the main problem area for new arrivals to Germany - the give-way/priority system!
Because the Member States of the European Union agree on mutual recognition of driving licences, it is no longer necessary to apply for any additional driving licence permit. A UK driver's licence (Führerschein) is therefore valid for driving in Germany, and should be in the possession of the driver at all times. Non-EC visitors will be required to sit the full German driving license examination to obtain a driving license for driving in Germany.
Photocard licences were introduced as a result of a EU Directive requiring all member states to issue driving licences in a card format and to contain the licence holder's image and signature. To get a photocard licence you will need to complete a D750 form, a D1 form (where appropriate) send to the DVLA in UK with current driving licence, original documentation confirming your identity, a passport sized colour photograph and the correct fee (where appropriate). See website
http://www.dvla.co.uk
The DVLA checks on driving licence applications has been tightened up since the introduction of photocard licences. Customers applying for photocard driving licences are now asked to submit original documentation confirming their identity, rather than sending these documents, individuals can make the initial application via a UK postal office, which will authenticate documents before the application is submitted to the DVLA
The following are examples of documentation accepted by DVLA as confirmation of your identity: Full Valid Current Passport, Birth Certificate, Certificate of Registry of Birth (Provided your name is present on the certificate), Adoption certificate, ID Card issued by a member state of the EC/EEA. If your name is now different from that shown on the document you submit to confirm your identity, you must also supply original documentary evidence to confirm your change of name e.g Marriage Certificate, Decree Absolute or Decree Nisi papers, Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration.
It is not often that you see old/unroadworthy cars around the streets! This is mainly as a result of German institution; the Technische Überwachungsverein or TÜV. This is an agency that must approve the roadworthiness of German cars and trucks. Without a TÜV (pronounced TOOF) sticker, a vehicle cannot be licenced or driven. Cars have been known to fail TÜV inspection for having a single rust spot or dent in a critical location. A broken light or a malfunctioning exhaust system would be obvious reasons for rejection.
Please refer to "Cars" for details of requirements for vehicle registration and Insurances in Germany.
Don't be misconceived by the high speeds on German Autobahns, there are reduced speed zones also. Usually, speeders will not be stopped at the time of the offence but will receive a speeding ticket through the post. This may be as long as two or three months after the incident. The German police use special cameras to catch people who exceed the speed limit.
Except where reduced speed zones indicate, or where posted because of construction or traffic problems, there are no speed limits on the autobahns, although the recommended maximum is 130 kph (about 80 mph), minumum speed on the Autobahn is 70km an hour. A mixture of slow-moving trucks and high-speed autos are on the same roads at the same time and defensive driving is a must. Autobahn chain-reaction pileups occur periodically, mainly because of high speeds. Accidents occurring at speeds of over 130 kph on the autobahns can result in insurance payment claims being annulled regardless of who was at fault.
The speed limit is 50 kph (about 30 mph) in built-up areas and 100 kph (about 60 mph) elsewhere.
Traffic calming zones (Verkehrsberuhigte Zone) indicated by a sign showing a pedestrian and a child kicking a ball, are sometimes found in residential areas. In them, playing children may use the entire street and traffic must stop for pedestrians and move at no more than 7 kph
Please refer to "Cars" for details of requirements for vehicle registration and Insurances in Germany.
There are no specific autobahn charges within Germany, however if you drive through Austria and/or Switzerland, an additional fee is payable for use of the autobahns. You can purchase Vignettes at most petrol stations surrounding the autobahn, or at the customs control area on the boarder crossings. If you drive through France or other European cities, thee will be various additional charges levied for autobahn crossings. Please make enquiries with your automobile association (AA/RAC, or if in Germany, ADAC etc).
Persons exceeding the limits by more than 40 kilometres an hour can expect to lose their licence for a period of up to three months, plus receive a financial penalty.
A tough, computerized point system (see Central Register for Traffic Offenders - below) is used to get dangerous drivers off the road. Increasingly strict penalties are the order of the day especially where drugs or alcohol are involved, and especially if there was an accident. If you are caught speeding, you can expect the following fines. In the city where the speed limit is between 30 and 50 kilometers per hour:
8-13 points A caution is issued with a reference to voluntary attendance at a constructive seminar. Attendance at such a seminar is rewarded by a points rebate of up to 4 points (from an original total of up to 8 points), and of 2 points (from an original total of 9 to 13 points).
14-17 points Attendance at a constructive seminar is mandatory. If the person concerned has already attended such a seminar within the last 5 years, a warning is issued. Voluntary attendance at a traffic psychologist's counselling results in a 2-point rebate.
Over 18 points A person who manages to accumulate 18 or more points despite the opportunities and assistance offered by the points system must, in the interest of road safety, will be disqualified from driving.
Any citizen can obtain information held on themselves for traffic offences from the Central Register of Traffic Offenders, this service is free. There is a formal application form available from the website for downloading (English-version available). The actual application must be sent via post as you are required to provide official authentification of the applicant's signature. Alternatively an officially authentification of the applicant's identity card/passport may be submitted:-
Kraftfahrt-Bundamt
Fördestrasse 16
24932 FLENSBURG
Website:
http://www.kba.de
Traffic lights are much the same in Germany as in the UK. Red means "stop", yellow is "caution" and green "go". If you see a blinking yellow light at a junction it means stop, then proceed with caution if the junction is clear. Like the radar-controlled cameras on the autobahns, some junctions have cameras at the traffic lights.
Many visitors assume that overtaking at junctions is prohibited, so they fail to properly watch for rear traffic when making a left turn. There is no general rule in Germany that prohibits overtaking at a junction. The driver making a left turn must therefore check for rear traffic at least twice and, because of the rear view mirror's "blind spot," should not rely on it alone.
The Germans also have a complicated right of way rule that many visitors find confusing. Unless otherwise posted, the driver coming from the right has the right of way. Just because you are on what looks to be a major road, you may not be on the "priority" road. A diamond-shaped sign (yellow in the centre surrounded by a white border) tells you if you are on a priority road.
The yield sign is an inverted triangle with a red border and white interior and means that you must give the right-of-way. You do not have to stop, though, if the way is clear. An eight-sided stop sign means that you must first come to a complete stop before proceeding.
This sign gives you priority - but only at the one intersection, where it stands!
One further area to be aware of is with cyclists. In the summer months there are teams of bikers around the city, they have their own cycle lanes and generally follow the traffic-light right-of-way rulings, however when car drivers are turning into any road they should always be alert to cyclists approaching at high speed.
All vehicles in Germany are required to have serviceable seat belts for all persons in the car, including those riding in the back seat. The law requires that they be worn. There is a €30 on-the-spot fine for each person in a car not using a seat belt. An exception is made for back-seat passengers in older model cars that didn't come equipped with rear seat belts. Children under 12 are not allowed to ride in the front seat of a car and must use car seats certified by the German government.
Drink-driving is a very serious offence, and attempts are being made to change the fines for zero tolerance in alcohol consumption. At present, being found over the limit driving a car risks a fine of Euro 1,500 and the loss of your licence. In Germany, a driver can be requested to take an alcohol test, if this is refused the Police can compel you to have a blood test (will be conduced in the Police vehicle immediately). In addition, your insurance will be invalid if you have an accident while over the blood alcohol limit.
German law requires that all automobiles have a portable red reflective triangle and a first aid kit. If a car breaks down for any reason, the triangle must be placed 200 meters behind it if on the autobahn and 100 meters behind it on all other roads. The car's emergency flashers should also be turned on.
Good Samaritan laws require that you stop and render aid should you be one of the first to arrive at the scene of an accident.
If you are involved in an accident or are a witness to an accident you must stop immediately; do not leave the scene for any reason
- take steps to provide for traffic safety,
- switch on your emergency flashlights, place the red reflective triangle to warn other traffic.
- You must assist any injured persons and
- call the police as soon as possible.
- Try to get address details of any witness to the accident.
- If you have a camera, take a photo of the accident scene.
- If the accident is serious and you need assistance in dealing with the authorities, do not hesitate in contacting BAESG immediately (see Emergency Numbers)
You must co-operate with the police and show them and those involved in the accident your passport/identification card, car registration, driver's licence and insurance documentation. However, you are not compelled to give any information about how the accident happened, it is advisable to take legal advice, to ensure you do not unwittingly admit to liability.
- Contact your insurance company and inform them of the accident
- If you have a lease-car you should contact this organisation and inform them of the accident
- If you have a Company lease-car you should inform the respective HR function as soon as possible.
Parking is generally permitted on streets, unless indicated to the contrary. Signs will show whether parking or drop-off is allowed. The roads around Munich city are very congested and it is important that drivers check the restrictions on their planned parking spot. If for example, there is allowed parking to a maximum of 2 hours, you must show a parking disc (blue disc where you can indicate start time of your parking). Be forewarned: German towing fees are very high! Round signs with red borders and blue interior and an "X" mean no parking or stopping whatsoever. Similar signs with a single diagonal line mean restricted parking, or parking for a limit of three minutes only.
If you fail to pay parking fines (citations for parking in clearly marked "no parking" zones or park in a handicap space), you will be financially penalised. If the violations date back far enough and failure to pay is constant, you will receive a hefty fine (known as Bußgeld), accompanied by loss of your licence.
Cars are not towed away as often as in UK: If you park in a clearly marked non-parking area the Police will tow your car away. Individuals should initially telephone the Police to check that it has in fact been towed away (or stolen!). In the majority of cases, cars are taken to
KFZ Verwahrstelle
Thomas-Hauser Strasse 19
Tel: 429301
Monday to Thursday - 0715 - 1545
Friday - 0714 - 1445
S-bahn (Ebersberg), stop at Trudering, Bus 192 (to Steinbhausen), exit bus at Thomas-Hauser Strasse. Documents: Car-owners will need to show are proof of address, current and valid driving licence, car registration documents, car insurance, and cash.
ADAC (Allgemeine Deutsche Autoclub) is the German organization similar to the UK AA. It offers a wealth of information in English, sells insurance, and provides emergency roadside service. Most cities have an ADAC office. The basic fee is Euro 40 per annum.
Another club is the AvD, (Automobilclub von Deutschland). It performs many of the same services as the ADAC, including the emergency roadside service, and also carries on Germany's great automotive traditions, sponsoring the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the German team at the Monte Carlo Rally. Membership is Euro 45 per annum.
You must stop for anyone using a white-striped zebra-like pedestrian crossing.
Buses/trams have the right of way in most instances!. you must give-way in particular when a bus is pulling out of a bus-stop or onto a main-road.
Round blue signs with white arrows inside indicated the direction of traffic and the permissible left/right turnings at junctions. For example if there are arrows pointing both up and to the right it means you have your choice of straight ahead or right, but left is prohibited. If there is a single arrow pointing left it means "left turn only."
Click in "NEXT" to see Road Warning Signs
Up to 10 km over
11 - 15 km over
16 - 20 km over
21 - 25 km over
26 - 30 km over
31 - 40 km over
41 - 50 km over
from > 50 km
€15
€25
€38
€51 + 1 point
€61 + 3 points + potentially 1 month ban
€102 + 3 points + potentially 1 month ban
€128 + 4 points + potentially 1 month ban
€179 + 4 points + potentially 2 months ban
The purpose of the points system as a graduated sanctions process is to offer and provide help to traffic offenders. In the use of constructive seminars and in talks with a traffic psychologist, faulty attitudes towards road traffic can be recognised and reduced. Voluntary attendance at such a seminar or at a traffic psychologists counselling is rewarded by a points rebate, but only once in a 5-year period.
Punishable acts recorded in the Central Register of Traffic Offenders vary according to their kind and gravity between 5 and 7 points, traffic offences between 1 and 4 points. The following measures are taken by the local driving licence authorities:-
