Our new Driving Tips series gives you the need-to-know advice for driving abroad!
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.
Click to jump to: Speed Limits Rules & Regulations What to Bring Along
Speed Limits in Germany
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 |
German Driving Rules and Regulations
Here are some rules and driving tips that you should make yourself aware of before you start your road trip in Italy:
- 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.
What to Bring Along
Here are some of the essential pieces of equipment and documentation that you should take along with you when driving in Germany.
- The first essential is a full UK driving licence, and this must be carried with you and produced on request. EU and EEA licences are accepted. Drivers must be 18 or over. Even after Brexit, the UK driving licence will be accepted in Germany.
- 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.
Rely on Sixt for your car hire needs in Germany
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.
Browse all Sixt Stations in Germany
