Driving hints in Germany??

[bl52krz]

What part of Germany are you going to?

[colintf]

Originally Posted by barney bear

Last time I was in Germany we were fined for not having a pass for the autobahn, even though we had been told to get it from the next services

No such thing for cars in Germany

Austria, Switzerland, Cz, Slovenia yes, but Germany no.

I drive there several times a year

[kc13661]

Also make sure you cover yourself with the legal requirements of what should be in your car; Warning Triangles, Hi Viz Vest/jacket ...all the safety things you need, plus if you do not have an EU number plate, you need a sticker.

The driving bit is so simple, and to be fair much easier... just remember they don't have as much of a 'give way' policy as a 'I am joining the road...make a gap for me' but crazily it works... make sure speed limits in towns obeyed, and don't just park anywhere.

http://www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abroad

[Jontypilk]

Don't you need to have winter tyres at this time of year?

[Phil th Barrow]

Originally Posted by spyder

Off to Germany for a fortnight.

Although I have driven there before , 20 years ago, any hints about making sure I keep right and turn into the correct lane.

What about a round-about? Do the same rules apply ? (obviously ant-clockwise)

It will be a left-hand drive car.

Craig.

I use th Gas next th grass method to remember. IE, Th accelerator pedal should be th nearest pedal to th grass verge..

In Greece once after a nice dinner meal. Drove off and thought Why is everyone on my side of th road. Easily done...

[clf]

Originally Posted by Phil th Barrow

I use th Gas next th grass method to remember. IE, Th accelerator pedal should be th nearest pedal to th grass verge..

In Greece once after a nice dinner meal. Drove off and thought Why is everyone on my side of th road. Easily done...

lol, I did this in America, coming out of a petrol (sorry gas) station, in a country side of a town, reminded myself "keep to the proper side of the road ". pulling out, feeling smug that I reminded myself, a car is coming towards me. flashed his lights and drove around me. I gave b dirty look, as he went past, thinking, it was a hick place, he must be drunk. it was only when I reached a stop sign and realised. it was positioned on the wrong side of the road

driving in Europe with a left hooker, I have found it quite natural to drive on the right. getting in and out of the car though, I find odd.

[first-things-first]

Originally Posted by Jontypilk

Don't you need to have winter tyres at this time of year?

You are right - from the AA - but needs to be "wintery". DOwn to interpretation.

The rules in Germany changed at the end of 2010 - regulations now require all passenger cars and motorbikes including vehicles from foreign countries to be fitted with winter tyres or all season tyres on all axles when conditions are wintery.
If your vehicle becomes stuck during the winter months because the tyres are unsuitable you will be liable to an on the spot fine in Germany. If the vehicle causes an obstruction and aggravation to other traffic, the fine may be doubled. You may also be prevented from continuing your journey.

If you wish to drive in major cities they have low emissions zones and you will need a pass, according to the Euro 6 or whatever compliance of your car. Our old cars may not be allowed anymore.

I got one for a hire car when going to Berlin. You will need your V5 to prove it and is fun getting one for a hire car!

I also got a parking ticket as I did not notice the restrictions in force.

Luckily the reg was XX11 TTT and the parking warden (not used to UK reg. numbers) write it down as XXII TTT. Swerved that one.

I found roundabouts when driving near Wolfsburg. As in most European countries (Italy was particularly good) they put in keep right signs, which makes it easy. Going through traffic lights and turning into another junction then becomes easy.

Watch out for crossings, as pedestrians have right of way, even when the traffic lights are with you. The lights flash amber to warn of this at crossings.

See here for more :

http://www.gettingaroundgermany.info/regeln.shtml

Strangely enough, I found it easy enough driving a right hand drive car abroad, as I think the driving environment was what I was comfortable with. Only slight concern was the driving on the right, did not need to get used to sitting on different side of car to usual.

[Leyland Worldmaster]

Winter tyres was a good point. And your tyres irrespective of type must have at least 3mm of tread. On autobhans; not all are de-restricted. On the de-restricted ones, adopt a Mirror Signal Mirror Maneuver policy. I was driving at 130mph with my '75 and cars were passing like I was standing still! Have a safe journey!

[bl52krz]

And keep your eyes open when going through wooded area's for Deer. A lot of accidents with these large creatures cause massive damage to your car. You have been warned.

[first-things-first]

Originally Posted by Leyland Worldmaster

Winter tyres was a good point. And your tyres irrespective of type must have at least 3mm of tread. On autobhans; not all are de-restricted. On the de-restricted ones, adopt a Mirror Signal Mirror Maneuver policy. I was driving at 130mph with my '75 and cars were passing like I was standing still! Have a safe journey!

I found 99% of German drivers to have very good lane discipline. They take no prisoners as you say - up your tush and "get out of my way". All the way to Warsaw.