In Germany, car rental agencies are available in every major city. International companies such as Hertz, Europcar, National, Avis, as well as local operator Buchbinder, provide car rental services in Germany. To be able to rent a car in Germany, you will need an international driver's license, be at least 21 years old, and have a sufficient amount on your credit card to cover the deposit for the car. Payment is usually determined on a weekly basis and includes insurance, excluding mileage. Car rental prices in Germany range from 70 to 90 EUR per day.
Speed limits in Germany apply only in cities, where it is 50 km/h in regular areas and 30 km/h in "quiet zones". The main characteristic of traffic rules in Germany is the absence of a speed limit on highways (autobahns). However, it is advised not to exceed 130 km/h. But driving below 60 km/h on highways is also not recommended.
In Germany, it is recommended to drive with low beam headlights on. Children under the age of three must be seated in a child car seat. After the age of three until they reach a height of 150 cm, they should sit in the back seat and be secured with a regular seat belt. Studded tires are prohibited in Germany.
The cost of gasoline in Germany can be checked on the website. The approximate price for 1 liter of gasoline in Germany is 1.20 EUR.
Fines for traffic violations in Germany
- Speeding — from 10 to 680 EUR
- Talking on the phone without a hands-free device — 40 EUR
- Not wearing seat belts — 30 EUR
- Punishment for blood alcohol level exceeding 0.5‰ — from 500 to 1500 EUR plus license suspension for up to 3 months
- Driving under the influence (up to 0.5‰) for novice drivers and individuals under 25 years old — 250 EUR
- Violation of child restraint rules — 40 EUR
- Driving on summer tires on snow or ice — from 40 to 80 EUR
There are no toll roads in Germany, but there is a fee for entering some cities (such as Berlin, Cologne, Hanover) ranging from 5 to 15 EUR, as there are environmental zones. There is also a fee for entering the Warnow tunnel (up to 3.40 EUR) and the Herren tunnel (1.30 EUR).
