The Autobahn is Germany’s great freeway system. Many of the sections (but not all) of the Autobahn have no posted speed limit. The law states that any person driving a vehicle may only drive so fast that the car is under control. Speeds must be adapted to the road, traffic, visibility and weather conditions as well as the personal skills and characteristics of the vehicle and load. It is important to be mindful of where speed limits apply, as fines may apply for exceeding the posted speed limit. Speed cameras are used prominently throughout Germany, with tickets served by mail for violations.
Throughout the autobahn, it is illegal to pass a vehicle on the right. You must move into a left lane in order to pass. Whenever possible, move into the right lane.
In European countries in general, it is illegal to turn on a red light, unless it is indicated otherwise, for example by a green arrow on a red light, a flashing amber arrow with a red light or a permanent green board next to the red light. In Germany, right turns on red are only permitted when a sign is present at the traffic light, after a complete stop. Therefore, you should always be aware- and mindful of the environment in which you’re driving, while keeping in mind that you are most likely not allowed to turn on a red light.
Another important aspect to note within traffic is the fact that in Germany, and many other European countries, traffic coming from the right, will mostly always have priority within traffic, besides for a few exemptions. To understand the right of way, it does not matter where a road user wants to proceed, the important thing is, where it comes from. For example, it is important to note whether it comes from a priority road, from a green signal, or from a road where a police officer is regulating the traffic. Right of way applies to all road users, including cars, motorbikes, bicycles, pedestrians, hand-pushed non-motorized vehicles, etc.
Important information about rental cars
In the event of an accident in a rental car, the driver is required to report the details to the police. If someone has been hurt, call 112 for emergency medical assistance; otherwise, call 110 for the police. The majority of police officers can speak some English, and the call centers for the police and emergency services are proficient in English.
Small incidents where there is minor damage to the car, such as hitting curbs or causing small scratches, where another car is not involved, only need to be reported to the rental company and do not require police intervention.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians in Germany also have to follow certain rules. Crossing the road when it’s a red light – jaywalking – is illegal in Germany and could result in you receiving a fine. If you stroll out when it’s not a green pedestrian light – even if you feel it’s safe to do so because there are no cars – you could quickly face some deathly stares or even some harsh words while Germans take their rules and safety very seriously. This could for instance also be the case with using bike lanes as a pedestrian lane. Some lanes are designed to welcome both cyclists and pedestrians, but you must be mindful when this is the case, and when not, mainly to keep each other safe.
Familiarize yourself with road signs
While the stop sign is recognized by most people regardless of the language they speak, other signs aren’t as universal. For instance, wherever a yield sign is posted (a red and white upside down triangle), motorists and cyclists alike must give priority to other vehicles and wait. Other signs, such as the white and yellow one shaped like a diamond, conversely mean that drivers have to give you the right of way.
A sign that is circular and red and white with an image of a bicycle in the middle (number 254 in the image below) means that cyclists are prohibited from entering the street. Conversely, if you see a blue sign with a white bike on it (number 237), you can be assured that the route is only for cyclists. But if you see a blue sign that has another image on it (and no bike) this sign indicates who is allowed to enter: for example, the sign with an image of a bus (number 245) indicates that only buses may drive on the street.
Cycling in Germany
While newcomers to Germany might be aware that riding one’s bike is a popular means of getting around, they may not know that there are rules which need to be followed, especially for one’s own safety. You can visit The German Road Safety Council's site for additional resources.
Overtake other bikers on the left
In Germany as in many other countries, just like motorists, cyclists ride on the right side of the road. And while it might seem obvious to overtake other riders on the left -whether or not on dedicated bike paths -you’d be surprised how many cyclists stay in the middle or the left side of lanes. Those who choose to cycle slowly should be considerate and stick close to the right of the bike lane -this enables others who are riding at a quicker pace to have enough room and to easily overtake them.
Be aware of the “right before left” rule
At all intersections, the DVR states that the “right before left” rule applies, unless there are road signs or traffic lights that indicate otherwise. This means that motorists and cyclists alike must yield to traffic coming from the right side. On smaller side streets, for instance, this rule can be seen in action. A typical situation could be that a cyclist riding along a street must stop every now and then due to cars coming from the right side at junctions.
Young children must cycle on the sidewalk
Young children are an exception when it comes to biking on the sidewalk, as they must do so until they are eight years old. After this age, they have the option of biking alongside those on foot until their tenth birthday. But from then on they have to cycle on designated bike paths like everyone else.
Lights, brakes, and a bell are a must
While wearing a helmet is recommended, there is no official obligation to wear one. Lights, breaks and a bell on the other hand are all mandatory. For instance, a bell is useful not only to alert pedestrians who unwittingly step onto the bike lane (and potentially force you to come to a screeching halt), but also to give fellow cyclists a heads up when you want to overtake them.
Failing to comply with these rules can result in the police handing you a fine, according to the DVR. This means, for instance, if you choose to bike at night but your lights aren’t working, don’t be surprised if a cop slaps you with a ticket. In cities such as Münster in North Rhine-Westphalia, which was recently deemed Germany’s most bike-friendly city, police have a keener eye on the offences committed by cyclists.
Do not cycle if you have consumed alcohol
As some of the points previously mentioned in this list highlight, oftentimes bike riders have to follow the same rules that vehicle drivers do – and refraining from driving while drunk is one of them. If you are found with a blood alcohol level of 1.6 percent or more in your system, you can gather up to 3 points as well as receiving a fine. Similarly, you’re not allowed to call or text on your mobile phone while cycling.
Use hand signals to indicate turns
Using hand signals to show motorists and fellow bikers your intention to turn is not only courteous, it also avoids potentially dangerous situations such as a cyclist ramming into you from behind. When turning, give a hand signal well in advance to indicate the direction in which you want to turn. If you want to turn right, it’s as simple as holding your right arm straight up.
This might be strange to get used to for people from countries where hand signals for bikers are different. In Canada, for instance, holding up one’s left arm bent at a 90 degree angle indicates a right turn. Remember too that pedestrians have priority when you’re making a right turn, provided that their light at the pedestrian crossing is green.
Avoid dangerous situations like getting into drivers’ blind spots
When truck or car drivers are making a right turn, cyclists are at “particular risk” because they more often than not cannot be seen, states the ADAC. Keep a good distance from vehicles to avoid getting in drivers’ blind spots, cycle defensively and if need be, get off your bike and move onto the sidewalk, suggests the DVR. Establishing eye contact with the driver is also important in order to avoid getting into dangerous situations. Automobiles at T-junctions and entrances to properties are other road situations that could pose a danger if you’re not biking cautiously.
Watch out for opening car doors
On streets where cars are parked to the right side of the bike lane, keep a good amount of distance from the parked cars. Some drivers open their car doors without regard for any passing cyclists; you can avoid the risk of getting badly hurt by anticipating their actions. But it’s not just the cyclist’s job to ensure safety in this instance, states the ADAC.
Driving schools in the Netherlands teach learners to open the driver’s door from the inside using one’s right hand when exiting parked cars. This way, drivers do their part in being cautious as the movement forces them to use their upper body, turn slightly and check to see whether any cyclists are coming.
Remember: cyclists are “more vulnerable” than motorists
Even if you have priority in a traffic situation, for your own safety the ADAC suggests not to push it if you encounter another road user who isn’t abiding by the rules. If for instance you have the right of way at an intersection and you notice a car is barrelling through with no intention of stopping, don’t risk harming yourself and let the driver pass. On the road, cyclists are “more vulnerable” than motorists, the automotive club states.
Driving in Germany