Road rules and safety - Germany

Which rule are you interested in?

Seat belts
Traffic lights
Speed limits
Alcohol limits
Influence of drugs
Forbidden lane
Safety helmet
Mobile telephone
Other specific rules

The use of seat belts and child restraint systems is MANDATORY (Directive 91/671/EEC as amended).

Seat belts are not compulsory for:

drivers of taxis or hired passenger cars, on duty
delivery vehicles making frequent stops
driving at walking pace
transport services where standing passengers are allowed
operational staff on coaches and buses
passengers on buses and coaches who briefly leave their seats

Child seats are not compulsory for:

transport services where standing passengers are allowed
vehicles where there is no space for a third child seat and the child (over 3) sits in the back seat wearing a seat belt
disabled children may be secured with special belts.

Red light (or flashing amber light) at level crossings (rail/road intersections): you must stop and wait at the crossing sign.

Flashing red arrow at level crossings: you must stop and wait only if intending to turn in the direction of the arrow.

Passenger cars & vans with trailers
Vehicles below 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

	Urban roads
	Non-urban roads
	Motorways/expressways For vehicle combinations up to 3.5 t with special technical equipment: 100 km/h

Passenger cars & vans
Vehicles below 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

	Urban roads
	Non-urban roads
	Motorways/expressways recommended

Motorcycles
Vehicles below 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

	Urban roads
	Non-urban roads
	Motorways/expressways recommended

Buses

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

	Urban roads
	Non-urban roads
	Non-urban roads Buses with standing room for passengers
	Motorways/expressways
	Motorways/expressways Buses with standing room for passengers
	Motorways/expressways Buses with special technical equipment

Heavy goods vehicles
over 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

	Urban roads
	Non-urban roads Vehicle over 7.5 t
	Non-urban roads Vehicle up to 7.5 t with trailer
	Non-urban roads Vehicle up to 7.5 t
	Non-urban roadsVehicle over 7.5 t with trailer
	Motorways/expressways Vehicle with trailer
	Motorways/expressways Towing vehicle with two trailers

0,0 g/l Novice drivers (less than 2 years' driving experience and under 21's)
0,5 g/l Standard drivers (above 1.1 g/l is treated as a crime, 0.5-1.0 g/l the penalty is a fine)
0,0 g/l Professional drivers (offenders can be sacked)

Forbidden drugs

THC (cannabis)

Methylamphetamine

MDMA (ecstasy)

Morphine

Cocaine

Lanes for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and farm vehicles

The emergency lane may not be used except where this is expressly permitted (e.g. by road sign 223.1).

A red light in the shape of a cross means that the lane may not be used (or stopped in)

Specific lanes reserved for buses and coaches in regular service are marked by road sign 245.

Forbidden lanes are indicated by road signs – e.g. 600, 605, 610, 615 and 616.

	Bicycles
	Mopeds(Not mandatory for vehicles with maximum speed of 20 km/h)
	Motorcycles with/without a sidecar
	Light and heavy tricycles(Not mandatory for vehicles with maximum speed of 20 km/h)
	Light and heavy quadricycles(Not mandatory for vehicles with maximum speed of 20 km/h)

	Drivers may not use their mobile phone without a hand-free set
	Drivers may use their mobile phone with a hand-free set

	Safety equipment for carsFirst aid kit Warning triangle Reflective vest
	Mandatory use of winter tyres
	Safety equipment for cyclistsBrakes Warning bell Lighting devices

Disclaimer

This content on road safety and traffic rules is provided by the national authorities according to Article 8(1) of Directive (EU) 2015/413/EU. The European Commission does not assume liability for this content or its accuracy. For the most accurate and up-to-date information check national websites, where you can also find information on other national rules covering time-based charges (vignettes), emission stickers and road tolls.

Last checked: 12/06/2023