Driving in Germany
Road rules in Germany
When you are hiring a car abroad, it’s useful to be prepared for the different driving laws in the country you are travelling to as well as checking the documents you need to carry.
To help make your trip to as smooth as possible, we've put together some of the key road rules in Germany.
- These rules are to be used as a guide and are subject to change. Please check with your Avis representative if you have any questions.
- Your Avis representative can advise you on toll and road charges before leaving the Avis car hire location and whether snow tyres or chains are needed.
Take a look at our Germany location page, for great renting tips, fantastic drives and popular Avis Germany rental locations. We also have Great Drives guides for Germany to help you make the most of your car hire experience.
Which Side of the Road?
In Germany, please drive on the RIGHT side of the road.
Unique Country Driving Laws
- Do not overtake school buses, slowing down or stationary.
- There are no tolls to pay on German Autobahns.
Speed Limits
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban areas: 19 mph (30 km/h) or 31 mph (50 km/h)
- Rural areas: 50 mph (80 km/H) or 62 mph (100 km/h)
- Motorways: between 68 mph (110 km/h), 80 mph (130 km/h) and unlimited
Please be aware of changing speeds indicated by road signs.
Child Safety / Seatbelt Laws
It is compulsory for all inside the vehicle to be wearing a seatbelt.
- A child under 12 years of age and measuring less than 150cm travelling in any type of vehicle, must be seated in a child seat or use a child restraint.
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
Compulsory Equipment in your Avis rental car
Please check with your Avis representative about the use of snow tyres and snow chains.Emergency Services
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 112
- Fire Department
- 112
- European Emergency Number
- 112