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Germany by Car
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. 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.
In Germany, car rentals are available in most cities, and one-way-rentals are generally permitted without an additional fee. 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.
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.
Germany’s driving rules are pretty clear:
- You have to drive on the right side of the road
- Front and back seat passengers must wear safety belts
- Children can not ride in the front seat
- Speed limit in congested areas is about 50 Km/h, on all other roads except the Autobahns is 100 Km/h
- Drinking while driving is not allowed and it is a serious offense in Germany
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.
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Getting Around Germany
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