@
onestitchloose
I drive regularly in Germany having owned a holiday home in the black forest for many years, and I still have many friends in the north of Germany, so still a regular destination for me.
So to answer your question. Driving in Germany is actually quite straightforward, and I often find it easier driving on the left despite being in a RHD car.
What I always say to people travelling onto the continent for the first time, is when you get off the ferry, take the first 20 miles or so to acclimatise. Get the feel for being on thr wrong side of the road so keep your speed down and get a feel for it. You will soon settle in.
Some of the rules are a bit different to here, first one being speed restrictions.
Unless there are signs stating otherwise, the following speed limits apply when driving in Germany:
- Motorways – 130 km/h
- Main roads - 100 km/h
- Urban areas – 50 km/h
Many parts of the Autobahn have no speed limit, which is indicated by a circular white sign with five diagonal black lines. You can drive as fast as you feel safe, but just be aware that cars can appear suddenly behind you, so take extra care when overtaking.
If you are towing a caravan or trailer you have to display a 100 km/h sticker at all times.
Remember speeds are in KPH NOT MPH.
Traffic Lights
The three-colour light system is in use. However, a red light with a green arrow pointing right allows motorists to turn right at a red light if they give way to other drivers and pedestrians.
At railway crossings a red flashing light means that a train is approaching, and all traffic must stop until the train has passed and the lights cease flashing.
Priority on the road.
Priority on the road is a bit different in Germany:
- Traffic coming from the right takes priority at all crossroads and junctions.
- Vehicles on a roundabout have right of way, unless signs indicate they don’t.
- Do not indicate when you enter a roundabout, only when about to exit.
- Any emergency vehicle that has flashing lights has priority, even if there is no siren.
In Germany the sign that indicates ‘no overtaking’ means you cannot overtake a vehicle with more than two wheels. So if you’re in a car then feel free to overtake a motorbike, but don’t overtake a car, lorry or other four-wheeled vehicle.
If two or more lanes are travelling in the same direction and traffic has built up it is OK to overtake on the inside.
A lot of German towns and cities have tram networks and these need special consideration. When in motion on a two-way street, trams must be overtaken on the right, unless space is inadequate in which case they may be overtaken on the left. On a one-way street trams can be overtaken on either side.
There are some very similar rules with regards to parking similar to what we have in the UK. Just look at the signs before you leave your vehicle.
One other tip....
To get to Germany you will need to travel through other countries depending on where you are landing, so maybe France, Belgium, Holland, and they also have their own set of rules which will be worth checking on before you depart (especially speed limits), so it is worth just checking on any specific rules that might apply, although t be honest, if you drive sensibly you will be fine and hopefully you will find it an enjoyable experience.
No doubt others will be along shortly to offer their advice as well.
