Travel: Motoring Tips
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- Germany By Car
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- With around 10,500 toll-free kilometers, Germany's Autobahn system is on
of the world's most advanced motorway networks. Tourist information boards
are posted in all the modern motorway service areas. Together with the
excellent network of federal and state highways, the Autobahns make it
possible for motorists to reach any destination in Germany quickly and
comfortably.
- Road Signs
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- Standard international road signs are in use throughout the country.
- Traffic Regulations
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- The general speed limit outside built-up areas is 100km/h for passenger
cars without trailers and other motor vehicles up to 2.8 tons overall
weight. The recommended maximum speed on Autobahns and expressways is 130
km/h. The standard speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h; city and town
limits are normally clearly marked with yellow and black signs. The speed
limit for passenger vehicles towing trailers on major roads and Autobahns is
80km/h. Front and back seat safety belts must be worn when the vehicle is in
motion. Drivers and passengers of two-wheeled motor vehicles with top speeds
exceeding 25 km/h must wear crash helmets.
- The maximum legal blood alcohol content for drivers is 8 parts per
thousand. Children under 12 may not ride in the front seats of vehicles
equipped with rear seats. Children's seats are compulsory. Snow tires with
studs are prohibited. Low-beamed headlights must be switched on in darkness,
fog, heavy, rain and during snowfall. Driving with parking lights only is
strictly prohibited.
- Vehicle Documents:
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- Visitors from America and Canada may drive in Germany for one year with
a national or international driver's license. The national license must be
accompanied by a translation issued from one of the following offices:
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- German diplomatic offices
- International motor vehicle offices in the country where the license was
issued
- German automobile club (ADAC, AvD or DTC)
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- Liability Insurance
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- Vehicle liability insurance is required by law in Germany. Motorists
from abroad must either present the green international insurance card or
take out temporary liability insurance at the point of entry into the
country.
- Insurance coverage available at the point of entry can be purchased for
15 days or one month. Should the insurance coverage expire, you may apply
for an extension at automobile club offices located through out the country.
- The ADAC City Emergency Service
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- It provides breakdown assistance in principal cities. For the local
numbers look under ADAC in the phone book and call the "Pannenhilfe" number.
- ADAC Highway Patrols
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- The ADAC Highway Patrol Service is on duty along all Autobahns and
federal highways. This service is free of charge, except for replacement
parts. Highway patrols can be summoned from emergency call boxes placed at
regular intervals along the Autobahns. A small arrow on the roadside
reflector posts indicates the direction toward the nearest emergency call
box. When calling ask specifically for "Strassenwachthilfe" (highway patrol
assistance service).
- Emergency Message Service
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- The ADAC operates an emergency service to relay radio messages to
motorists. Messages may be handed in at any ADAC office or police station.
- Police Emergency and Rescue Service
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- Dial 110 for the police emergency service and 112 for the fire brigade.
- Service Stations, Restaurants and Motels on the "Autobahns"
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- Full details of the available services are provided in the "Autobahn
Service" booklet published every year and available through GNTB offices.
Petrol prices are not regulated and are thus subject to fluctuation.
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