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Traffic Regulations - Driving in Germany

Passing on the right is strictly forbidden, even on multiple lane streets!

The highest permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.5 promille (0.05%) - breathalyzers in use, zero tolerance policy!

You'll find stop signs, but no 3-, 4-, all-way stop signs. If at an intersection is no sign, vehicles coming from the right have right of way!

No turn on red light, except when a sign with a green arrow is attached to the light - then you have to stop at the line before you go!

Speed limit for cars and motorcycles, if not stated by a sign (special regulations for larger vehicles and vehicles with trailer):
- within city limit: 50 km/h
- highways: 100 km/h
- Autobahn: no speed limit (recommended speed is 130 km/h)

Buckle up - it's the law (all seats), children must be seated on safety seats!

Do not use cell phones while driving (except with hand free kit)!

Some important traffic signs:


yield/give way

right of way (next intersection)

major street, right of way

in combination with the 2 signs above you follow the major street by turning left (other combinations possible, thick line has right of way)

end of major street

oncomming traffic must yield/give way

oncomming traffic has right of way

roundabout/rotary traffic
entering: do not indicate, give way; leaving: indicate right

one-way

wrong way

no vehicles (any kind, no bikes as well!)

no-passing zone

end of no-passing zone

speed limit (km/h)

end of speed limit

end of all stated bans (including speed limit)

minimum speed

no stopping, no standing

no standing (except for loading/unloading, maximum 3 minutes)

white arrow(s) on a round blue sign state the allowed direction(s)

white arrow on a blue square sign means you're on a one-way street (turning may be allowed)

city limit begins w/special regulations, for instance speed limit 50km/h,
use of horn prohibited (except to avoid an accident)

name of village, no special regulations

detour

attachment: "for the next 800m"

attachment: "2km ahead"
 
- info supplied without liability -

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