Useful driving information links...

• Fuererschein.net
  German site, listing German driving license requirements for those with drivers licenses from various states in the U.S. as well as other non-E.U. countries, i.e. full reciprocity, partial (only written test required) or no benefit requiring take both the written and driving examination.
  
  
• U.S. Embassy in Germany
  Page for American's Driver's License
  
  
• U.S. Embassy in Germany
  Page for driving in Germany including registering your car, car inspection (TÜV), insurance information, violations
  
  
• The German Way Website
  Included on this site is info on German and European traffic law and the few variations that North American drivers may not always be aware of. In addition to traffic laws and driving links, this site also has some good info and links for renting a car.
  
  
• Travlang's European Traffic Code
  Including the 10 rules for safe travel on the German/European roads, is an extensive illustrated resource that discusses German/European road sign conventions and rules. With illustrated discussion of important international traffic signs (e.g. the red-bordered triangle as being the International Warning sign, now accepted and used also in the USA, though few people know!), this site also includes vocabulary/translations in German, English and other languages.
  

Tips for Driving in Germany
Contributed by Jill

Driving in Germany is not much different from driving in many other countries. Folks drive on the right, and international signs like "stop" and "yield" are used. For newcomers, there are, however, a few key differences that you should be aware of.

Right Before Left: This is really important and probably the major difference between driving in Germany and in the United States. When you approach an intersecting road (either a crossroad or a street that merely intersects on one side), and if there is a car approaching from the road to your right, that car has the right-of-way. By the same token, when you approach an intersection and a car approaches you on your left, you have the right of way (you are on his right). But use caution -  that other driver could be a tourist or someone who simply had their license changed over!

There are, of course, exceptions. If you see a road sign with a yellow diamond at that intersection, you are on a priority road and do not have to yield. You also do not have to yield if your road is "defined." This is done with either a white painted line or inset rectangular "kerb" stones running along the right edge of the roadway, delineating your road from any streets that might intersect it. Kerb stones are used predominantly when the road is intersected along a curve. 

"Right before left" occurs most frequently in small villages and in residential areas. You will find few stop or yield signs in these areas as the "right before left" rule governs the intersections. In the bigger towns and cities, signs and traffic lights fulfil the role.

No Right Turn On Red and The Green Arrow: Unlike most states in the USA, you are not allowed to make a right turn on a red light. There is one exception: the green arrow. This handy little arrow was taken over from former East German rules. If your light has a green arrow attached underneath it, you are allowed to turn right on red - provided there is no pedestrian crossing the road. The green arrow has been the cause of quite a bit of controversy recently, and there has been talk of abolishing it altogether. The basic rule of thumb is: if you see a green arrow you can turn right on red as long as you make sure there are no pedestrians or cycles around. 

In Germany, a blinking yellow traffic light does not give you right-of-way. In some areas where traffic drops off dramatically in the evening or on weekends, traffic lights will either be turned off; or one road will be given a blinking yellow light, while the road intersecting it has no light at all. In any case, please remember that a blinking yellow light does not mean "proceed with caution." A blinking yellow light means you must stop to allow traffic to cross your street. Think of it as a glowing "Yield" sign. 

Unless posted otherwise, the recommended speed on the autobahn is 130km/hr (just over 80mph). This is merely the recommended speed. You may drive as fast as your nerves, your passenger's nerves, your particular car, and the road conditions allow. If you're yearning for speed, however, be aware that many sections of the autobahn do post speed limits. In particular, you'll rarely be allowed to travel over 120 km/h in the former East Germany, where the roads are in sad repair and a massive rebuilding effort is ongoing. The A8 between Munich and Stuttgart has numerous speed restrictions, through some semi-mountainous terrain and again through farmland areas that are prone to heavy fog. 

Though some people still do flash their headlights at you as a gentle hint to get your car over into the right lane, this is actually illegal. Germany's Miss Manners would tell you that the proper way to alert the driver in front of you that you would rather see them in your rearview mirror is to put on your left blinker. In other words, you would like to pass them on the left, and since there is no lane there, would they kindly provide you with one. I have noticed drivers who are still several kilometers behind me turning on their left blinker. They tend to close the distance pretty rapidly. And unlike in the States where passing on the right isn't really legal, but rarely looked on as a major offense, in Germany it's really illegal and just isn't done.

If you're driving along and suddenly see a flash, the German police have just taken your picture. Rather than use manpower setting speed traps, the wily Germans simply set up cameras. By the time you see the two little boxes on either side of the road, which are measuring your speed, it's too late. I have been told that if you don't receive a speeding ticket within three months you probably won't be getting one. I am still waiting for my latest ticket from Nov. 11 and am hoping the camera had run out of film by the time my photo was taken. Hey, it can happen.

Last but not least - Honoring Other Drivers. Giving the finger or tapping your head (as in "Are you crazy??") is illegal in Germany and can get you a visit from the police if the other driver reports you. There has also been a lot of talk about making gestures to the police when they take your picture or measure your speed. The police do not look too kindly on such gestures and take them extremely seriously. Fines are quite steep, so try to restrain yourself from making such gestures in the first place.

 f you do get involved in an accident, heaven forbid, remember the following: stop immediately and do not move your car! Take measures to ensure traffic safety by using your triangle, or, with minor accidents and with the consent of the other party, by moving off the road. Insist on calling the police as their report will be crucial for insurance purposes. And very important: do not admit guilt (you might lose your insurance coverage) and do not sign anything.  Exchange information with the driver of the other car regarding the name and address of the driver and the owner of the vehicle, registration number, insurance company and insurance number. 

Any damage whatsoever to a car, parked or moving, is also considered an accident. If you do accidentally scratch or bump a car, be sure to wait till the owner or the police comes to exchange information. Just leaving a note with your name and number is not acceptable here. Failing to adhere to this rule might land you in hot water as you will be charged with a "hit and run". 

Happy driving!