Germany Car Hire Destination Guide

Car hire is widely available throughout Germany from all the major car rental companies. Germany has the second largest population in Europe (European Russia is the largest) and has a diversity of landscapes which include the famous Rhine, Bavaria and Black Forest.

Germany is divided into 16 states known as Bundesländer which include the city of Berlin. Each region has its own distinctive character, dialect, traditional dress and food.

Driving in Germany
If you’re planning to rent a car while in Germany there’s some basic information you’re going to need to get you on your way. Firstly, and quite importantly if you’re British, get ready to drive on the right hand side of the road. That’s the wrong side if you’re British! This means you should always overtake on the left.

Local Laws
On-the-spot fines can be charged for a whole range of driving offences including speeding, parking and running out of fuel on a motorway, amongst others.

It is compulsory to carry an emergency triangle, first aid kit and spare bulb kit. It’s also compulsory to wear seatbelts in the front and in the rear if fitted.

It is prohibited to overtake or pass a school bus, which has stopped outside a built-up area, when red lights are flashing.

Speed Limits
The common speed limits are 50km/h (31mph) in built up areas, 100km/h (62mph) out of town and although some sections of the autobahn (motorway) have no restrictions it’s not recommended to exceed 130km/h (81mph).

Drink Driving
As with most other European countries nowadays drink driving is heavily frowned upon in Germany and the limit is quite low (currently 80mg) at the same level it is in the UK so it’s not worth taking any risks.

Parking
A parking disc system operates in major towns. Discs are available from police, tourist offices and tobacconists. Also note it is an offence to park facing oncoming traffic.

Related Links
• Rental Locations : A guide to destinations throughout the world
• Germany : Official tourism web site for Germany