If you’re planning to drive in Germany, it’s important to understand the local road rules before you go. Rules can differ from the UK, including requirements for winter tyres, low emission zones, speed limits and compulsory equipment.
This guide covers the key documents, driving laws, parking rules, fuel information and what to do if you break down. It’s also a good idea to ensure that you prepare for any unexpected eventualities that could happen by purchasing AA European breakdown cover before you go.
We’ve put together some guidance for safe and legal driving in Germany to help you prepare. Here’s a run-through of key things you need to know about driving in Germany, including required documents to general road rules, fuel, parking, and fines.
Important information for driving in Germany
In an emergency, dial 110 for police, or 112 for ambulance and fire brigade assistance.
What documents and items do I need to drive in Germany?
There are certain documents you should carry with you when driving in Germany. If you cannot produce the required documents when asked, you may be fined or face another penalty.
- Valid UK driving licence. The legal age to drive in Germany is 18, and you must hold a full, valid driving licence. If you plan to rent a vehicle in Germany, car hire companies may require you to have held your licence for at least 1 to 3 years. If you have a paper driving licence, you should update it to a photocard licence or get a 1968 International Driving Permit before travelling.
- Vehicle insurance documents. Always carry your insurance certificate with you in case you’re stopped and asked to present proof of insurance.
- Proof of identity. Carry proof of identity, such as a valid passport.
- V5 registration logbook (or a VE103 document for rented vehicles).
You may also need, or are strongly advised to carry, the following items:
- A UK sticker. You must have a UK sticker clearly displayed on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate does not include the UK identifier.
- Reflective jacket. You must carry a reflective jacket in the vehicle, and it must be easy for the driver to reach without leaving the car. If you must stop in an emergency or break down, put it on before getting out of the vehicle. Carrying one for each occupant is recommended.
- Warning triangle. A warning triangle is required for certain vehicles and is strongly recommended for all drivers. If you break down or have to stop in an emergency, place it at least 100 metres behind the vehicle on normal roads and 200 metres behind the vehicle on motorways, where it is safe to do so.
- First aid kit. Vehicles registered in Germany must carry a first aid kit. Requirements for foreign-registered private vehicles can differ, but carrying one is strongly recommended
- Headlamp beam deflectors. UK headlamps are aligned to the left, so they can dazzle oncoming traffic when driving on the right in Germany. Beam deflectors can correct this.
- Winter tyres or snow chains. These may be required in winter weather conditions. See our winter tyre requirements for more information.
- Environmental badge. This is compulsory when driving in low emission zones. See below for more information on low emission zones.
Insurance green cards
As of 2 August 2021, drivers do not need to carry an insurance green card when driving in Germany.
EU entry requirements
Entry/Exit System (EES). The EU’s EES became fully operational on 10 April 2026. It replaces manual passport stamping with a digital record of entries and exits for non-EU nationals, including UK travellers. You do not need to apply for EES before travelling but may need to register biometric details at the border. For further information, check the latest official EES guidance before travelling.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). ETIAS is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. Once launched, UK travellers and other visa-exempt nationals will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling to Germany or other participating European countries. No action is required until the system launches.
Low emission zones
A number of German cities operate low emission zones known as Umweltzone in their city centres, to help improve air quality. Only vehicles that meet the relevant emissions standard (based on their date of first registration and Euro emissions standard) and display a valid environmental sticker, known as an Umweltplakette, may enter these zones.
The sticker category is based on the vehicle’s emissions standard. Although red, yellow, and green stickers were previously used, only the green Category 4 sticker is now valid for entry into German low emission zones – red and yellow stickers are no longer sufficient. Most vehicles driving in German LEZs must therefore display a green environmental sticker.
Restricted areas are indicated by signs marked ‘Umwelt ZONE’, which show that an environmental sticker is required. Driving into a low emission zone without a valid sticker can result in a €100 fine.
You should order the sticker before travelling if you plan to drive into a German low emission zone. Stickers usually cost between €6 to €20, depending on where you buy them. The best option is to order from the official website for the area you will be visiting, for example, Berlin.de if you are driving in Berlin.
Road rules in Germany
What is the legal age to drive in Germany?
The legal age to drive in Germany is 18 years old, and all drivers need a full and valid driving licence.
What side of the road do I drive on in Germany?
All traffic in Germany drives on the right-hand side of the road, not on the left as in the UK. If you hire a car, the driver’s seat will be on the left side of the car.
Who has priority?
Drivers coming from the right generally have priority at crossroads and junctions, unless signs or road markings indicate otherwise.
At roundabouts, traffic on the roundabout has priority, unless indicated otherwise.
Give way to emergency vehicles using sirens or flashing lights, such as ambulances, police vehicles and fire engines.
How do I overtake?
You must only overtake on the left side of a vehicle you want to pass. Overtaking on the right is only allowed in stationary traffic.
The ‘no overtaking’ sign means you can't overtake a vehicle with more than two wheels. You may overtake a motorcycle, but do not overtake a car or any other four-wheeled vehicle.
If a bus approaches a stop with hazard warning lights on, do not overtake it. Once it has stopped with hazard warning lights on, vehicles may only pass at walking speed, around 4–7 km/h. This also applies to oncoming traffic.
Speed limits in Germany
All speed limits and distances in Germany are shown in kilometres and metres. Always follow local signs, as speed limits may vary depending on the road, vehicle type, weather, or traffic conditions.
The standard speed limits are:
- Built-up areas: 50 km/h
- Main roads outside built-up areas: 100 km/h
- Dual carriageways: 130 km/h recommended
- Motorways / Autobahns: no general speed limit on some sections, although 130km/h is the recommended maximum speed
Only vehicles capable of travelling at more than 60 km/h may use German motorways. Some city roads may have lower limits, including 30 km/h zones, so check signs carefully.
In poor visibility, where visibility is less than 50 metres, the maximum speed is 50km/h. Vehicles using snow chains must also not exceed 50 km/h. If a broken-down vehicle is being towed on a motorway, the maximum speed is 80 km/h.
Speeding fines in Germany
Speeding fines in Germany vary depending on how far over the limit you are driving and whether the offence takes place in or outside a built-up area. Fines vary depending on the speed, road type and whether the offence takes place in or outside a built-up area. Serious speeding offences, particularly in built-up areas, may result in a heavy fine and temporary loss of the right to drive in Germany.
German police can issue on-the-spot fines for some motoring offences. Fines of up to €55 may be collected immediately, while a deposit may be requested for higher expected penalties. Processing fees may also apply.
Speed camera detectors
You are not allowed to use speed checking devices, including ones that are part of your GPS system. If your GPS navigator shows you the location of any fixed speed cameras, this function needs to be deactivated.
Traffic lights in Germany
Germany uses the standard red, amber, and green traffic light system.
At some junctions, a green arrow sign beside a red traffic light may allow drivers to turn right, but only after stopping and giving way to other road users and pedestrians.
At railway level crossings, a flashing red light means a train is approaching.
Seat belt rules in Germany
Seat belts must be worn at all times by adults and children in both the front and back seats when driving in Germany.
If you do not wear a seat belt, you may be fined.
Child seat regulations in Germany
Children under the age of 12 – or under 1.5m tall – need to use an approved child safety seat.
Children under 3 years old are not allowed in a vehicle without a suitable child restraint or seat.
Drink- and-drug-driving laws in Germany
Germany has strict drink- and-drug-driving laws. For most drivers who have held a licence for at least two years, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% blood alcohol content. Drivers under 21, and novice drivers who have held their licence for less than two years, must not drive after drinking any alcohol; the legal limit for them is 0%. These rules also apply to visiting foreign drivers.
Drivers who are over the legal alcohol limit, or who show signs of being impaired, can face fines, penalty points, a driving ban and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution. A blood alcohol level of 0.11% or above is treated as a criminal offence.
Driving under the influence of drugs is also illegal in Germany. Police can carry out roadside checks, and drivers found to be impaired by drugs may face fines, penalty points, a driving ban, or criminal proceedings.
Mobile phones and headphones
Using a hand-held mobile phone or other hand-held electronic device while driving or riding is prohibited in Germany. This includes using the device to make calls, send messages, use apps, or operate navigation while it is being held.
Hands-free systems are permitted, provided the device is not held and the driver remains in full control of the vehicle. Drivers caught using a hand-held device can be fined €100 to €200 and may receive 1 to 2 penalty points. Cyclists can also be fined for using a hand-held device, with penalties starting from €55.
Headphones or earpieces should not be used if they prevent the driver or rider from hearing traffic, sirens, or warning signals.
Lights in Germany
Dipped headlights are recommended during the day.
Dipped headlights must be used between sunset and sunrise, in tunnels, and when visibility is poor, such as in heavy rain.
You must not use full-beam headlights in built-up areas.
You must not drive with sidelights (parking lights) alone.
Headlamp beam deflectors need to be used by UK drivers to adapt to driving on the right-hand side of the road. These stop headlights from dazzling other drivers.
Tyre requirements in Germany
The tread depth on a tyre should be no less than 1.6mm when driving in Germany.
You cannot use spiked tyres.
Winter tyre requirements
You cannot use summer tyres in Germany during winter weather conditions. This winter tyre regulation applies to all motorised vehicles using roads in Germany, including those registered abroad.
Winter weather conditions include black ice, snow, ice, slush, and frost, which may be present even if the temperature is above 0°C.
Since 1 October 2024, winter or all-season tyres used in wintry conditions in Germany must carry the Alpine marking, shown as a mountain peak with a snowflake. Tyres marked only ‘M+S,’ ‘M.S’ or ‘M&S’ are no longer accepted for winter conditions. If you drive in wintry conditions without suitable tyres, you could be fined.
You could be fined €60 for driving in winter conditions without winter tyres, and €80 if this causes you to obstruct traffic. You could also be stopped from continuing your journey unless you get the tyres changed, or the weather conditions improve.
In very extreme weather, snow chains may be required. Snow chains are legally required if there are signs showing a tyre with snow chains.
Motor insurance in Germany
All vehicles driving in Germany must have a minimum of third-party insurance cover. You will need to have your insurance documents with you at all times.
Fines in Germany
On-the-spot fines
German police can issue on-the-spot fines for a range of motoring offences, including speeding, drink- or drug-driving, and other road traffic violations.
Fines of up to €55 may be collected immediately. For more serious offences where a higher fine is expected, police may ask visiting motorists to pay a security deposit. If the driver refuses or is unable to pay, legal proceedings may follow, and the vehicle may be confiscated.
Processing fees may also apply to the fine, so the final amount payable may be higher than the fine itself.
Parking regulations in Germany
Most cities and towns in Germany have regulated parking spaces, usually controlled by parking meters, pay-and-display machines, or parking disc zones. A vehicle is considered parked if it remains in the same place for more than 3 minutes. Parking and stopping are usually only allowed on the right-hand side of the road, except in one-way streets.
Wheel clamps are not used in Germany, but vehicles causing an obstruction can be towed away. If your vehicle is impounded, retrieving it can cost around €100 to €300, in addition to any parking fine.
Parking is not permitted in places including:
- Where there is a ‘parking prohibited’ or ‘waiting and parking prohibited’ sign
- Within 5 metres of a pedestrian crossing or intersection
- On narrow roads or where visibility is poor
- Less than 10 metres before traffic lights, give-way signs or stop signs if the vehicle would hide the sign
- Within 15 metres of a bus stop
- On taxi ranks
- Blocking vehicle entries to properties (or opposite them on narrow streets)
- On the carriageway of priority roads outside built-up areas
- Facing oncoming traffic
- Where zig-zag lines are painted on the road
If you park illegally, your vehicle may be towed away, and you may also have to pay a fine.
Disabled parking in Germany
UK Blue Badges are recognised in Germany, but parking concessions and local rules can vary. Always check local signs, parking meters and car park notices before leaving your vehicle.
Fuel in Germany
Availability of fuel
Unleaded petrol, diesel, and LPG are widely available throughout Germany, including at motorway service stations, local filling stations and supermarket petrol stations. Motorway service stations are generally open day and night, while many other petrol stations are usually open from around 08:00 to 20:00.
The following fuel types are common:
- Unleaded petrol Super / 95 octane
- Unleaded petrol Super Plus / 98 octane
- E10 petrol, containing up to 10% ethanol
- Diesel
- LPG
Leaded petrol is not available in Germany. E10 petrol is widely available, and pumps are clearly marked, but it is not suitable for all vehicles, so drivers should check with their vehicle manufacturer before using it. You can carry up to 10 litres of fuel in a spare can, although this may not be allowed on ferries.
Fuel prices in Germany
Fuel prices vary by location, fuel type and service station. You can use a website to check current prices before you travel.
How do I pay for fuel in Germany?
Fuel can usually be paid for by cash or credit card, but it is worth checking payment options before filling up, especially at smaller or automated stations.
Electric cars in Germany
Where can I charge my electric car in Germany?
Germany has an extensive electric vehicle charging network, especially around towns, cities and major roads.
You can use an online map such as Chargemap to find electric vehicle charging points in Germany.
How do I pay for electric car charging?
Payment methods vary by charging network and location. Check the operator’s payment options before charging and consider registering with charging apps before you travel. If using an app, check that your account is set up and funded before you need to charge.
Tips for driving an electric car in Germany
- Plan your routes in advance using a map of charging stations, so you can recharge as needed.
- Plan to charge your electric car overnight if possible.
- Download and register with apps to use and pay for charging points to make the process smoother.
- Avoid periods of high congestion, especially in built-up areas, as sitting in traffic for long periods can drain your electric car battery.
Riding a motorcycle in Germany
Motorcycle regulations
- Dipped headlights must always be used.
- Riders and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds must wear a crash helmet.
- Riders and passengers on trikes or quad bikes capable of more than 20km/h must also wear a crash helmet, unless seat belts are fitted and worn.
Towing a caravan or trailer in Germany
Speed limits for cars towing a caravan or trailer
In built-up areas, the speed limit for vehicles towing a caravan or trailer is 50km/h, unless signs show a lower limit. Outside built-up areas, cars towing a caravan or trailer are generally limited to 80km/h, including on motorways and dual carriageways.
Vehicles towing a caravan or trailer must also comply with German size and equipment rules. The maximum permitted height is 4m, maximum overall width is 2.55m, maximum trailer length is 12m, and the maximum combined length of car and caravan is 18.75m.
Cars towing a caravan must be fitted with two side rear-view mirrors; these may extend beyond the width of the caravan but must be foldable.
Tolls in Germany
Private cars do not currently pay tolls on German motorways. Since 1 July 2024, some vehicles over 3.5 tonnes may be subject to tolls in Germany if they are intended for, or used for, road haulage. This applies to vehicles or vehicle combinations with a technically permissible maximum laden mass of more than 3.5 tonnes, although combinations are only affected if the towing vehicle itself exceeds 3.5 tonnes.
Drivers of larger vans, motorhomes or commercial vehicles should check whether tolls apply through the Toll Collect system before travelling.
Roadside assistance in Germany
If you break down:
- Switch on your hazard lights.
- Put on your reflective jacket before getting out of the vehicle.
- Place warning triangle 100 metres behind the vehicle on normal roads, or 200 metres behind it on motorways, where safe to do so.
- Where safe to do so, get everyone out of the vehicle and behind the safety barrier.
- If you are on a motorway, emergency telephones are placed at regular intervals. The nearest one is shown by a black arrow on roadside marker posts.
- If your vehicle has broken down on a motorway, it must be towed away to the nearest exit.
- In an emergency, call 110 for police or 112 for ambulance or fire brigade. In cases of injury or serious vehicle damage the police must be called.
- Wait in a safe place until the authorised recovery service arrives.
If you’re planning a driving trip through Germany, check out our European breakdown cover page for a quote. Our cover ensures driving in Germany is never a worry – if your vehicle breaks down, we'll help.
We offer alternative accommodation and travel arrangements, recovery of your vehicle back to the UK, and up to £50,000 in legal costs.
22 September 2026
