10 tips about driving in Germany as a tourist

Driving in Germany is a very different experience from driving in the U.S. Since I first moved here, I’ve had to learn how to adjust my driving style, but it really isn’t that difficult once you have a few basic tips under your belt.

Driving in Germany is a very different experience from driving in the U.S

Driving in Germany is a very different experience from driving in the U.S. There are many more speed limits, and they’re used much more frequently than you might be used to. The rules of the road are also different: for example, it’s illegal to pass on a right-hand curve unless there’s an emergency situation or you’re passing another car that’s going slower than you are (and even then, only if it’s safe).

The roads are well maintained and generally very crowded with other cars – especially on weekends when everyone wants to get out of town or into town! Driving on the Autobahn can feel like being on an American interstate highway at rush hour but without any stoplights or traffic lights; however, there is no speed limit here so remember that if someone comes up behind you too fast and honks their horn at you as they pass by…it could mean trouble!

In Germany, giving way to cars is the norm

In Germany, giving way to cars is the norm. This means that you should expect cars to have right of way at intersections, even if they’re not coming from your direction. For example, when you’re waiting at a red light and there’s no one else around who needs to cross the street or make a turn onto another street (or even if there are other cars), then it’s best practice for them not to yield for you – you’ll have to wait until they’ve passed before proceeding through your own intersection.

You may also encounter situations where drivers turn right on red lights without stopping first; this is common practice here in Germany and shouldn’t be surprising if it happens while driving around town! However, these drivers are required by law not only to make sure that no pedestrians or cyclists are crossing their path before proceeding with these turns but also ensure there aren’t any other vehicles coming toward them either – so make sure not only yourself but everyone else around seems safe before entering any intersections!

German drivers are very polite and will thank you for letting them go first at an intersection

German drivers are very polite and will thank you for letting them go first at an intersection.

In Germany, it is customary to give way to the right. If two cars approach an intersection from different directions, the one on the right must yield unless there is a traffic light or stop sign telling him or her otherwise. This can be frustrating to visitors who come from countries where traffic moves on the left side of the road and so don’t expect this rule to apply in Germany as well as it does back home (or vice versa).

Traffic circles are common, but they are not racetracks! Take it easy when you approach them

Traffic circles are common in Germany. They’re not racetracks, so don’t speed up or slow down suddenly when you approach them. This will help you avoid accidents with other drivers who might be unfamiliar with the traffic circle’s rules of engagement.

What to Do at a Traffic Circle

Some intersections have special lanes for vehicles turning left or right, but these lanes are not always clearly marked. Be careful when turning right on red lights! In Germany, you must turn right on red lights. This is not the case in the United States – and it’s important to be aware of this difference if you plan to drive there as a tourist.

If you’re coming from America and unfamiliar with German roads, please make sure that you are paying attention when approaching intersections or crosswalks. If there is no signal light present at an intersection (which can sometimes happen), then all vehicles must stop before proceeding through their respective lanes of traffic; they may only proceed once it’s clear that no other cars or pedestrians will cross into their path when they do so.

Beware of hidden speed bumps in parking lots, especially if there is low visibility due to snow or fog

Beware of hidden speed bumps in parking lots, especially if there is low visibility due to snow or fog. In Germany, it’s common for parking lots to have small speed bumps that are not always clearly marked. If you don’t see a speed bump, you could hit it at high speed and damage your car. As a rule of thumb: always drive slowly through parking lots unless the pavement is clearly marked as being flat (i.e., without any bumps).

Parking is expensive in Germany, so look for free parking spots along on-street parking zones if you don’t want to pay for parking in a lot or garage

With the exception of some public parks and sidewalks, it’s usually not allowed to park your car on the street without paying for a parking space. Unless you’re lucky enough to find one of those rare, free spots along on-street parking zones that are sometimes available in residential areas, or if you want to spend all day looking for one (which will probably still cost money), then it’s best to look for paid parking options like garages and lots.

Here are some tips:

Drivers tend to drive fast on German roads; it’s not uncommon for cars to go 120 kph (75 mph) on Autobahns! You should drive according to traffic conditions and adjust your speed accordingly. If there is no other car in sight ahead of you, then go ahead and accelerate quickly so that you can reach 120 kph before merging into traffic from an upcoming exit ramp or freeway entrance ramp – it will save time!

The best way to avoid accidents when driving in Germany is by following the rules of the road: Make sure that all lights are working properly, check that tires are properly inflated (and don’t forget about winter tires), keep enough distance between yourself and other vehicles at all times (at least 1 meter) so as not to endanger yourself or others if something happens unexpectedly.

Driving in Germany is a very different experience from driving in the U.S. In Germany, giving way to cars is the norm and drivers are very polite and will thank you for letting them go first at an intersection. Traffic circles are common, but they are not racetracks! Take it easy when you approach them; this will help ensure that everyone has a safe trip around town. Some intersections have special lanes for vehicles turning left or right, but these lanes are not always clearly marked so be careful when turning right on red lights!

The Perfect Germany Road Trip