Rules that differ from many countries
- Right before left (rechts vor links) at junctions without signs or signals — very common in residential areas.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in town, 100 km/h outside towns, Autobahn: no general limit, recommended speed 130 km/h (many sections have limits). In towns, 30-zones are everywhere.
- Emergency lane (Rettungsgasse): in a traffic jam, leftmost lane moves left, all others move right — immediately, not when sirens come. Fines €200+ and a driving ban.
- No overtaking on the right on the Autobahn.
- Winter tyres (marked with the alpine/snowflake symbol) are required in wintry conditions. Rule of thumb: "O bis O" — October to Easter.
- Alcohol: 0.5‰ limit; 0.0‰ for drivers under 21 or in their 2-year probation period.
- Phone in hand while driving: €100 + 1 point; with endangerment more, plus a ban.
Environmental zones (Umweltzonen)
Many cities (e.g. Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne) have Umweltzonen. Your car needs a green emissions sticker (Umweltplakette, about €5–15 from TÜV/DEKRA or the registration office). Driving in without it costs €100. Some cities also have diesel bans on specific streets.
Parking
- Parkscheibe (blue parking disc) where signs show a disc symbol — set it to your arrival time (rounded up to the next half hour).
- Residents' parking (Anwohnerparken) areas need a permit from the city — apply after registering.
- Parking on cycle lanes, at bus stops or in front of driveways leads to towing (€150–300+).
Fines and points
- Fines follow the federal catalogue (Bußgeldkatalog). Serious offences give points in Flensburg (Fahreignungsregister); 8 points = licence revoked.
- Process: hearing form (Anhörungsbogen), then fine notice (Bußgeldbescheid). You have 2 weeks to object (Einspruch) to the fine notice.
- Speed cameras don't flash from behind — the photo shows the driver's face, and only the driver is liable for points.