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Each year thousands of Brits take their cars abroad and travel from the UK to Germany. Driving can be a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the beautiful country.
And, as football fans gear up for the Euro 2024 Tournament, there are many English and Scottish fans preparing to head Germany in their droves as they to support their country.
Before you travel, familiarise yourself with the local driving laws, documents required and any speed limits.
Before you begin your upcoming German adventure, it is very important to ensure you have the necessary documents.
These include:
Driving laws in Germany don’t differ too significantly from those in the UK. However, there are some key points of difference that you should learn before you drive on any German roads.
Key things include:
Germany is probably most famous for its autobahns, from a driving point of view. This is mainly due to the fact that certain stretches have no speed limit.
However, speed limits do apply in some areas.
Here is a brief overview of the speed limits in Germany:
It's crucial to adhere to speed limits as fines can be hefty. Please note: traffic cameras are common.
Like the Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones in the UK, many German cities have environmental zones (Umweltzonen) – in a bid to reduce pollution and improve public health.
If you are going to drive through one of these zones, you need to have a low-emission sticker (Umweltplakette) on your vehicle. These can be purchased online, or at certain service stations throughout the country.
Popular destinations with an Umweltzonen include:
Unlike many European countries, Germany does not have a general road toll system for private cars. However, there are tolls for certain tunnels and bridges.
For this reason, it’s important to have cash or a payment card ready in locations that may warrant a toll payment.
In case of an emergency, don’t dial 999.
The best number to call is 112 for police, fire, and medical services.
It's recommended that you carry a first aid kit, warning triangle, and high-visibility vests in your car, as these are mandatory in Germany.
Fuel stations are plentiful and offer a range of fuel types.
Diesel (Diesel) and unleaded petrol (Benzin) are common.
Like the UK, fuel prices can be higher on autobahns (motorways) than compared to those in towns and cities. As such, try to plan ahead if you are needing to refuel and try to do so in cheaper locations.
When driving in Germany, knowing a few key phrases can be extremely helpful.
Here are some useful German phrases that might come in handy:
Basic Greetings and Phrases
Asking for Directions
In Case of Emergency
Signs and Road Instructions
Learning these phrases will not only help you navigate your driving experience in Germany more smoothly but also show respect for the local language and culture.
Safe travels and enjoy the beautiful game and the beautiful country!
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