Driving and Vehicle Rental
Foreigners may drive in Germany for one year with a national or international driving licence (for more than a year you must have a German licence). At least third-party insurance is mandatory (normal third-party insurance in Britain does not cover foreign travel, although more extensive policies do). It's not necessary to carry a green card, but some other form of proof of insurance is essential. Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers as well as the driver, and children under 12 years must sit in the back. Understanding right of way can be problematic: if no right of way is indicated, priority is always with vehicles coming from the right. In cities, be aware that trams always have the right of way. Unfamiliarity with the traffic system means that unwary visiting drivers are prone to cut in front of turning trams at junctions - a frightening and potentially lethal error. Also, when trams halt at their designated stops it's forbidden to overtake until the tram starts moving, to allow passengers time to cross the road and board. Germany's highways, or Autobahnen , are the most extensive and efficient network in Europe, though those in the north can sometimes be only two lanes. Fuel stations, roadside restaurants and motels are located every 30-40km, and every city and virtually all the towns are within simple striking distance, using equally high-quality secondaryroads to link them to the Autobahnen. A huge amount of work has been done in the former GDR to bring its road system up to western standards, though many minor routes still remain in a poor state of repair. There are no legally enforced speed limits on the Autobahnen although there is a recommended limit of 130kmph. The official speed limit on country roads is 100kmph, and in built-up areas 50kmph, unless a lower figure is indicated. Note that there are on-the-spot fines for speeding and other offences. For speeding these are charged on a sliding scale from about DM20-50/?10-25; after a cut-off point of roughly 25km above the limit, you're charged and taken to court.
funAshley says "Germany is full of wonderful sites to see!" howmary says "how much are ur food genal cost of meals cost over there" Explore Germany On Line (Video and Stills)David Mundstock says "My film “Septemberfest” presents all of Germany’s best known places: Frankfurt’s old town, a Rhine River cruise, Cologne’s Cathedral, the Hamburg red-light district, Berlin (The Wall, and other changes since 1990), lovely Dresden, Nuremberg, the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, Munich (glockenspiel, beer hall, and palaces), plus King Ludwig II’s most famous castle.
This is a free, non-commercial, streaming video on the Windows Media Player. No ads and no strings attached. I sell absolutely nothing. However, you need a high speed internet connection such as DSL or cable in order to view the film.
The still picture gallery of Germany can be viewed with any modem.
There are over 30 of my other amateur travel videos on-line covering all seven continents. Visit Italy, Morocco, Antarctica, Bali, Russia, China, Hawaii, Peru, Mayan Pyramids, American National Parks, Egypt, Greece, or Turkey, among many choices; see whales, penguins, or polar bears.
The planet is yours, including my Home Page giant galaxy of still pictures.
To watch a video or view stills, please ask a search engine for: Intrepid Berkeley Explorer"
Your Tip for Germany
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