Germany

Driving in Germany

If you wish to drive in Germany you must carry a valid driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents with you in the vehicle at all times. If the vehicle does not belong to the driver, written permission from the registered owner may also be requested.

The minimum age for driving a car in Germany is 18 years old. 17 year-old British drivers with valid British licences are not permitted to drive a car. Anyone who contravenes this law may be fined and your vehicle will be impounded. Advice on driving outside the UK can be obtained from motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC.

You should take particular care when driving in Germany as driving regulations and customs are different from those in the UK. Roads in Germany, particularly motorways, are of an excellent standard but speed limits are higher than in the UK and the accident rate is greater. In 2005 there were 5,361 road deaths in Germany (source: DfT). This equates to 6.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2005.

Many drivers undertake long journeys in, or through, Germany. Care should be taken to plan journeys and take sufficient breaks; a minimum break of 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.

It is illegal to take part in motor vehicle races or rallies on German roads. Such activities constitute an offence under paragraph 29 of the German Highway Code. Offenders are liable to be detained, fined and to have their vehicles confiscated.

Pedestrians in Germany should be aware that it is illegal and dangerous to cross German pedestrian crossings when the red pedestrian light is on. Offenders render themselves liable to a fine and all costs in the event of an accident.