Driving guide

German road rules for visitors

Driving in Germany is straightforward once you know a handful of rules that differ from home. This is the short list we give friends picking up a car at DUS.

Updated By the DUS Car Hire editorial team How we research

The short answer

Drive on the right. Limits are 50 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on rural roads and an advisory 130 km/h on the Autobahn unless signs show a lower limit. The alcohol limit is 0.5 ‰ (zero for drivers under 21 or in their first two years). Traffic from the right has priority at unmarked junctions, phones must not be held while driving, and in wintry conditions the car must have winter tyres.

Built-up areas
50 km/h
Rural roads
100 km/h
Autobahn
130 km/h advisory
Alcohol
0.5 ‰ / 0.0 ‰ for novices

Speed limits and cameras

Watch the signs – around Düsseldorf many motorway sections are limited to 100 or 120 km/h, often via electronic variable signs. Fixed cameras, mobile checks and average-speed sections are common. Radar detectors and speed-camera apps are illegal while driving.

21–25 km/h over in town€115 + 1 point
21–25 km/h over outside town€100 + 1 point
31–40 km/h over in town€260 + 2 points + 1-month ban

Fines from the national fine catalogue; the rental company adds an admin fee.

Autobahn etiquette

  • Keep right and use the left lane only to overtake; overtaking on the right is illegal.
  • In a jam, immediately form an emergency corridor (Rettungsgasse): the far-left lane moves left, all others move right. Failing to do so costs at least €200.
  • Stopping and U-turns are forbidden; running out of fuel can be fined.
  • Lorries are banned on Sundays and public holidays – traffic is often lighter.

Priority and junctions

Without signs, priority goes to traffic from the right – very common in residential areas and 30 km/h zones. A yellow diamond sign marks the priority road. Turning right on red is only allowed where a green arrow sign is fixed to the light – and only after a full stop. Trams almost always have priority.

Alcohol, phones and seat belts

  • 0.5 ‰ limit (€500 fine + driving ban); from 0.3 ‰ an offence if your driving is impaired; 0.0 ‰ for drivers under 21 or in their first two years.
  • Holding a phone while driving: €100 + 1 point – also at red lights.
  • Seat belts for everyone; children under 12 and shorter than 150 cm need a suitable child seat.

Winter tyres

Germany has a situational winter-tyre rule: in black ice, snow, slush or frost, tyres with the Alpine symbol (mountain with snowflake) are mandatory. Rental cars are fitted accordingly in winter; check whether the offer charges a fee for this.

Mandatory kit in the car

A warning triangle, first-aid kit and hi-vis vest must be in the car. If you break down on the Autobahn: hazard lights on, put on the vest, get behind the crash barrier and place the triangle about 150–200 m behind the car. Call the breakdown number on your rental agreement.

Low-emission zones

Düsseldorf, Cologne, the Ruhr area and many other cities have low-emission zones where the green sticker is mandatory. German rental cars have one. More: Umweltzone & green sticker.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

8 answers

On some sections there is no fixed limit, but 130 km/h is the advisory speed and many sections – especially around cities like Düsseldorf – have signed limits.

You do. The authorities contact the rental company, which passes on your details and usually charges an admin fee.

Only where a green arrow sign is attached to the traffic light, and only after stopping completely.

0.5 per mille for most drivers, and zero for drivers under 21 or in their first two years of driving. Lower amounts can still be punished if you drive unsafely.

Only hands-free. Holding a phone or other device while driving is fined and earns a point in the Flensburg register.

At junctions without signs or lights, traffic from the right has priority. It is common in residential streets and 30 km/h zones.

A warning triangle, a first-aid kit and a high-visibility vest. Rental cars come equipped – check they are there before you drive off.

No. Using apps or devices that warn of speed cameras while driving is not allowed in Germany.

Still have a question? Contact our support team.

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