Ecological zones and toll roads in Germany: what you need to know to avoid a fine
Germany does not have a nationwide toll system for certain motorways or highways. However, you will still have to pay to drive on some sections. Find out where drivers should be careful and what rules you need to follow to avoid being fined
Germany is known for its motorways without speed limits, high-quality roads and strict traffic rules. However, before travelling to this country, it is important to know not only about the traffic rules, but also about the system of toll roads, as well as about environmental zones that may affect your route and trip planning.
Toll roads in Germany
Unlike many European countries, Germany does not have a nationwide motorway toll system for passenger cars. However, this does not mean that all roads are free.
At the same time, tolls are charged for the use of some tunnels and for entering an environmental zone. For example, the Varna tunnel costs €3.5 from November to March and €4.3 from May to October.
You will also have to pay for driving on the Rossfeldstrasse panoramic road, which takes people to an altitude of 1600 metres above sea level. The price is 4.5 euros for a motorcycle and 8 euros for a car. Buses, on the other hand, will cost a more substantial sum - as much as 55 euros.
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Fares in the ecological zone
In German cities, there are environmental zones (Umweltzone), which were created to prevent air pollution. The beginning and end of the zone are marked with special signs. Below the sign for the beginning of the zone is a sign showing which colour of placard (Plakette) you can use to enter the zone.
There are three types of placards (special stickers), which, after purchase, must be placed in the lower right corner of the windscreen (for a regular car - the lower corner on the passenger side), on the inside of the glass.
The stickers are available in 3 colours:
🔴red - the car meets the Euro 2 standard;
🟡yellow - the car meets the Euro 3 standard;
🟢green - the car meets the Euro 4 standard and above.
The absence of this sticker on a car travelling in an ecological zone is punishable by a fine of 80 euros, even if your car meets the Euro 4 standard and above.
Where can I buy the sticker?
It can be purchased at specialised inspection centres or ordered online. The cost of such a sticker ranges from 5 to 15 euros. However, if it is ordered to Ukraine, the price may rise to 40 euros.
What else do drivers have to pay for in Germany?
As you know, Germany is a member of the Green Card agreement. In this country, having international insurance is mandatory if you are a citizen of another country and are travelling by car.
The Green Card is very important for driving in Germany, as this insurance certificate insures the liability of the vehicle owner. In other words, in the event of an accident, the culprit's Green Card insurance policy will cover the damage caused by his fault to other road traffic accident participants - the cost of treatment or repair of the victim's car.
The penalty for not having a Green Card can vary: a fine, deportation, further entry ban or even car seizure.
You can buy a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal. The cost of the document depends on its validity period. For example, 15 days of insurance will cost a driver only 24 euros.
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The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.