Story: CAROLINE HOLMES, IAM
4 million of us will head for Europe in our cars this summer. And for many, Germany is a must.
Remember the McLaren F1 road car? It did 240mph and got to a hundred before you could scream. After it was launched the story did the rounds of a German businessman who used his to do the 130 mile commute from Cologne to Frankfurt in under an hour – you do the maths.
Now maybe the story was apocryphal, but it was credible because as the world in general knows there are no speed limits on German autobahns.
Or are there? In fact about a third of the 12 500 km network has fixed or variable speed limits of between 80 and 130 km/h (50-81 mph). These are mainly around cities or in particularly congested areas but you can come across them out in the forest too. As you might expect, they are enforced with Teutonic rigour. So don’t assume you can do as you please.
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A third of autobahns have speed limits, enforced with Teutonic rigour.
That still leaves over 8000 km of immaculately kept roads with no permanent speed limit, though an advisory limit of 130 kph (81mph) applies everywhere. Everyone tends to drive faster, but even at 100 mph it’s uncanny how quickly your mirror can fill up with a Porsche flashing its lights for you to get out of the way. Be very aware of what’s happening behind you before you overtake. And if you drive faster, you’ll use more fuel so keep an on the gauge because it’s illegal to run out of fuel on the autobahn.
As in much of Europe, the drink drive limit in Germany is lower than in the UK – 50 rather than 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. There is a zero tolerance alcohol limit for drivers aged under 21, and drivers who’ve held a licence for less than two years. New drivers stand to lose €250 if they don’t obey this rule.
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Drink driving limits are lower, like most of Europe.
Think about the countries your drive through as well. If you’re driving to Germany via France, from July 1st all drivers and motorcyclists (excluding mopeds) need to carry a breathalyser kit, with two disposable breathalysers.
And like the French, the Germans don’t tolerate speed camera detectors, including satnavs, whether or not you are using them. Penalties include fines of up to €1,500, confiscation of the device and the vehicle. You might be able to stretch your company car where there’s no speed limit, but they don’t want you cheating when there is one.
During daylight you must use dipped headlights, or daytime running lights if fog or rain restrict visibility. So check your lights, and while you’re at it pack the warning triangle, set of bulbs, hi-vis jacket and first aid kit.
Here’s an odd one; if for some reason you were minded to, you’re not allowed to wash your car by the roadside in Germany, unless there is an Autowaschstraße or Waschplatz sign. Some regions even have restrictions on which days car washing is allowed!
Finally, be careful where you park. To park on the street in Germany you need to buy a Parkscheibe (a blue parking disc), available at nominal cost from newsagents and service stations, although a more familiar pay and display system (Parkschein), and parking meters are also common. Enforcement is brisk.
Before you leave for your holiday, check that your business car insurance covers your company car while you’re away, and that you know the company car policy for taking a car to Europe.
