Driving in Germany (Deutschland)

Required: warning triangle, first-aid kit (DIN 13164) and a high-visibility vest (one per vehicle). Winter tyres are mandatory only in wintry conditions (ice, snow, slush, frost), on all four wheels, and must carry the Alpine symbol (three-peak mountain with snowflake); M+S-only tyres no longer qualify. There is no fixed date range. Studded tyres are banned. Fine 60 EUR and 1 point (80 EUR if obstructing). Legal minimum tread 1.6 mm, ADAC recommends 4 mm.

No general toll or vignette for passenger cars in Germany. Only some tunnels and private roads charge cars (examples: Herrentunnel Luebeck, Warnowtunnel Rostock). The truck toll applies to commercial vehicles of 3.5 t and more. Low-emission zones (Umweltzonen): about 35 zones; a green sticker is needed and the rule applies to foreign cars too; stickers sold by TUeV, DEKRA and registration offices. Some cities add diesel bans (e.g. Stuttgart, Munich).

Cars: built-up areas 50 km/h, rural roads 100 km/h, expressways 100 km/h. Autobahn: no general limit, 130 km/h is a recommended speed only. Car with trailer: 80 km/h outside towns (100 km/h only with special approval plaque). Visibility under 50 m: 50 km/h. Many motorway sections have posted limits. Drivers under 21 and in probation period: absolute alcohol ban (0.0).

112 for fire service and ambulance (free across Europe, also from a mobile phone with SIM). 110 for police. Non-urgent medical help: on-call doctor 116 117. Roadside breakdown: ADAC 089 20 20 40 00 or short code 22 22 22 (mobile).

Not required for cars within the EU/EEA; the licence plate should generally be enough as proof of insurance. A valid green card (international insurance card) is still recommended because checks abroad often ask for it.

Before a holiday trip: check tyre pressure (adjust to load), tread and damage. Check the coolant level and top up with the type in the manual; never open the reservoir on a hot engine. Have the battery tested, as heat stresses it. Check that first-aid kit, warning triangle and vests are complete; check spare wheel or repair kit. Also check oil, lights, wipers and washer fluid, air conditioning and brakes. After the trip: unload, reset headlight levelling, reset tyre pressure.