Tips for Driving in Germany

Firstly, some bad news for tourists. Your local driver's license will not be accepted in Germany . You will need to contact your local license branch (BMV) and find out the steps you need to take to receive an international driver's license.

Next would be to confirm your car rental booking. Coordinate with any international car rental service and they can have a car ready and waiting for you at your destination. Another option is to rent the car when you reach Germany , which is not difficult. Most service representatives speak English and will be happy to help you out.

Now you will need to know the important points of driving in Germany , the traffic laws. If you are an American, or have driven in the U.S.

, you will find that driving in Germany is not much different.

Traffic lights
When pulling up to a traffic light you will notice that unlike the U.S. traffic lights which go from green to yellow to red and then directly back to green, German traffic lights will go from red to yellow and then green. More importantly is the ‘right on red' rule we have in the U.S. This rule does not exist in Germany . If you try to make a right turn when the traffic light is red you may find yourself in a major lawsuit.

Autobahn
If you are thinking that the autobahn is the paradise for people with a lead foot you may end up with a speeding ticket. Although there are some stretches of the autobahn that have no speed limit there is a recommended speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour that you should obey. Granted, most do exceed this speed recommendation but now you know you can be ticketed.

Accidents: If you are the first on the scene of an accident in which someone has been injured you are required by law to provide assistance. Whether you simply stop and call an ambulance (112) not (911), or you provide medical aid, you must do something to help the casualty.

Also, do take note that Ausfhart is the German word for exit.