The strict rules of the DA in Germany force drivers to prepare for them before traveling to this country. Find out what common violations can leave you without a license and how to travel comfortably by car in Germany

Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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Travelling around Germany by car is an unforgettable experience, but requires knowledge of the basic rules of the road (traffic rules) and the peculiarities of using toll roads. Germany is famous for its road infrastructure, but you need to be aware of the rules and tariffs to avoid unpleasant situations.

Firstly, before any journey, make sure your car meets all technical safety requirements, including winter tyres for the weather conditions. Stock up on the necessary documents: driving licence, registration papers and insurance.

Road traffic regulations in Germany

Observing traffic rules is the key to safe travelling. Germany has strict rules about speeding, overtaking, parking and seat belt use. Do not exceed the speed limit, especially in built-up areas and on restricted sections, overtake only in marked areas, and always use seatbelts.

Particular attention should be paid to signs and road markings. They clearly indicate the rules of the road, authorised speeds and stopping places. Running a red light and ignoring signs is prohibited and will result in fines.

It is worth noting that in Germany, as in some other countries, there is a points system that also applies to foreigners. The point is to record the so-called penalty points in a special register.

How are penalty points calculated?

If a driver accumulates 8 penalty points, his licence is withdrawn. The driving ban is issued for the country concerned, i.e. Germany.

There are 3 types of offences according to their seriousness, and depending on them a certain number of points are given:

📍 administrative offences endangering traffic safety - 1 point;

📍 gross, containing danger for road users - 2 points;

📍 an offence that is a criminal offence - 3 points.

However, if 3 points are given at once (even if it is the first offence but so serious), the driver's licence will be taken away.

Penalties are also present in Germany. What are the most common offences and how much you will have to pay for them:

- running a red light - up to 360 euros (and the possibility of a driving ban for 1 month);

- failure to wear a seatbelt - 30 euros;

- dangerous overtaking on the motorway - up to 250 euros;

- driving with a mobile phone - 60 euros;

- failing or failing to create an "emergency lane" in a timely manner - up to €320 (and the possibility of a driving ban for 1 month);

- overtaking when prohibited - 70 euros;

- overtaking in an opaque area (e.g. in front of the horizon) - 100 euros.

- failure to keep a safe distance - 75 euros;

- driving under the influence of alcohol between 0.5 and 1.09 ppm - 500 euros (and possibility of driving ban for 1 month).

As for speed limits, in Germany it is possible to drive up to 50 km/hour within a settlement, outside - up to 100 km/hour, on the motorway - 130 km/hour.

On some autobahns the speed is allowed even higher than 130 km/hour. However, it is not necessary to drive so fast on the territory of this country, as there are comfortable and not loaded toll roads.

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Toll roads in Germany

As in many European countries, Germany has long ago launched the service of toll roads to relieve the flow of cars on ordinary highways.

Today, travelling on toll autobahns in the country is paid for by purchasing vignettes. Prices for them are as follows:

- 10 euros - 10 days.

- 22 euros - 60 days.

- about 130 euros - 1 year (for German citizens).

In addition, drivers will have to pay to use roads and tunnels such as:

- Warnowtunnel tunnel - up to €4 (depending on the season);

- Herrentunnel tunnel - 1.7 euros:

- Rossfeld panoramastrasse panoramic road - 8 euros.

How to protect yourself from waste in case of an accident?

It is important to remember that foreign citizens when entering Germany should have a Green Card, which can solve many issues in case of unforeseen situations.

This document is issued by insurance companies and confirms the availability of car insurance in the European Union and other parts of the planet. Car owners should apply for a Green Card in advance to avoid problems at border crossings and in case of accidents outside their country.

In addition, the Green Card gives the right to temporarily use the car in the territory of another country and confirms that all road users are protected by insurance in case of need.

Registration of a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine website provides convenience and reliability when travelling abroad. Experienced specialists will help you quickly and easily obtain this important document, providing the necessary advice and assistance in case of questions or problems.

You can apply for the document by clicking here.

We remind you! Green Card insurance policy is mandatory for travelling by car in 50 countries of the world. What penalties are stipulated for drivers, if there is no Green Card or the insurance policy has expired, we told you here.

Photo: Bundespolize

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