If you’re thinking of travelling to Germany and taking your own car, or hiring one, it’s worth knowing a few specifics about the driving rules.
Whether you’re going on a trip or are a new driver, you’ll want to know how to drive in Germany to avoid fines.
1. Forming an emergency lane even in slow-moving traffic
In Germany, the emergency lane must be formed as soon as traffic is moving slowly, not just when there is a complete standstill.
Furthermore, a very specific rule applies: the lane is always formed between the left-hand lane and all other lanes.
2. Obligation to drive on the right
On German motorways, you are not allowed to drive permanently on the left or in the centre.
You must:
- drive as far to the right as possible
- use the left only for overtaking
Not even many Germans always follow this rule, but, in theory, it can result in fines.
3. Situational requirement to use winter tyres
Germany does not have fixed winter months laid down by law.
The rule is as follows: as soon as there is snow, ice or the road surface is slippery, it is compulsory to use winter tyres.
This is known as the ‘situational requirement to use winter tyres’.
From 2024, tyres must also bear the Alpine symbol (a snowflake on a mountain).
4. There is no general speed limit on many motorways
Germany is one of the few countries without a general speed limit on many motorways.
However, there are:
- local speed limits
- a recommended speed of 130 km/h
5. The use of the horn in urban areas is virtually prohibited
In Germany, in principle, the horn may only be used in urban areas to warn of a danger.
Impatient use of the horn at traffic lights or in traffic is not officially permitted.
6. Speed camera apps for drivers are prohibited
Drivers must not use active speed camera detectors or speed camera apps.
Warning functions on sat-navs or smartphones can also be problematic if they indicate specific speed traps.
7. The ‘zipper’ method only just before the narrowing
In Germany, when approaching a lane narrowing, you must normally move up to the front of the queue and only then merge.
Many drivers get this wrong and change lanes too early. This often leads to arguments.
