Germany summary
Key facts
Official language(s)
Currency
Population
Time zone
Calling code
Drive on the
Member of the EU
German
Euro
82,060,000
GMT + 1
49
Right
Yes
Local weather
Berlin
Speed limits
- Motorways:
- Where there are no signs, there is no speed limit - recommended maximum speed is 130kmh (80mph) Otherwise the speed limit shown on road signs is mandatory.
- Open roads:
- 100kmh (62mph) – varies (signposted)
- Towns:
- 50kmh (31mph) – varies (signposted)
Road Safety
-
Alcohol limit:
- 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood
-
Use of mobile phone whilst driving:
- It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving and can result in an on the spot fine of €40 and one point on the driver's licence
- It is legal to use a hands free unit
-
Seat belts:
- Compulsory for front and rear seated passengers if already fitted
- Children must be at least 12 years old to sit in the front of the vehicle unless a special child seat is fitted
- Children under the age of 12 and if seated in the back must also use appropriate child seat if fitted
-
Traffic lights regulations:
- Red – Stop
- Amber - Slow Down
- Green – Go
Costs
- Road tolls:
- Very few – cost varies
- On the spot fines:
- On the spot fines can be issued for exceeding speed limits, use of abusive language, use of derogatory hand signals, running out of petrol on motorway roads and other main high roads
- A receipt should be requested
General motoring advice
- Rush hour in built up areas:
- 0700 - 0900
- 1700 - 1900
- Fuel:
- Unleaded regular (octane 91) and super (octane 95 or 98), diesel and LPG are available
- Parking advice:
- Parking is allowed on the right hand side of the road only, except for one way streets (i.e. only on the right in the direction you are travelling)
- Parking discs and meters are operational in many areas across the country