When driving in Germany, you must obey the rules. Geraldine Herbert has some key advice
1) Germany is one of the few places in the world where drivers are allowed to decide for themselves how fast to drive, limited only by the car they are driving. But remember only about a fifth of the Autobahn is a no speed limit zone elsewhere the speed limits are strictly enforced by the police.
2) The Drink-drive limit is the same as in Ireland at 50mg/100ml.
3) When parking in Germany you need to buy a blue parking disc (parkscheibe), available at service stations, and parking vouchers (parkschein). Parking meters are also common.
4) Dont use Radar speed camera detectors as they are illegal in Germany. Penalties include fines of up to €1500
5) It is an offence to run out of fuel on a motorway in Germany
6) Its’ also an offence to make rude signs to other road users.
7) Must haves include Reflective jackets, Warning triangle and Headlamp beam deflectors
8) There are no tolls levied on private cars.
9) During daylight, you must use dipped headlights or daytime running lights if your vision is impaired by fog, snow or rain.
10) When traffic is congested, normal right-of-way rules gives way to the “zipper rule”. It means vehicles from each lane must give way one at a time
Geraldine Herbert
5th May, 2016
