There are many traffic rules and specific signs that only exist in Germany. To keep it simple, here are some traffic rules that especially tourists from non-European countries should know.
Keep Right Except to Pass
If possible, drive in the right lane. Even when there are many lanes available. You’re obliged to take the right lane.
Accordingly, overtaking in the right lane is forbidden. Always overtake on the left. Unfortunately there are many drivers that drive in one of the middle lanes, ignoring the rule above. Better not overtake them on the right. You could get a hefty fine.
Know about the "Rettungsgasse"
Always create a “Rettungsgasse” (literally rescue alley) when traffic is congested (no matter why it is congested). To make a Rettungsgasse, drive as far left as possible in the left lane, as far right as possible in the right lane. When there are more than two lanes, cars on the left lane drive as far left as possible, all other lanes drive as far right as possible. If you refuse, and you hinder a fire truck, police car or ambulance, you will certainly get an extremely high fine.
Do Not Slow Down to Look at Accidents
Do not look at or slow down to look at traffic accidents where fire trucks and police cars are already there. This is called “Gaffen” (gawk) and can get you a hefty fine of up to approx. 2.000 USD. Also taking pictures of accidents can lead to extremly high fines and even two years of prison. So if you see an accident where police, ambulance, etc. is already there – move on. Don’t look and don’t brake to look!
Help When an Accident Happened
If you are one of the first persons witnessing a car accident and people are injured or seem to be injured – don’t drive away. You must help. Not doing this is considered as crime.
No Right Turn on Red in 99%
At a red traffic light, you’re only allowed to turn right when a green-arrow-sign allows it. These signs are rare and sometimes tiny, so unexperienced drivers are likely to oversee the sign.
No All-Way-Stops
There is no All-Way-Stop. When you’re driving in a residential area, and you’re not on a main road, you usually have to brake for all cars/bikes coming from the right. When three cars meet at the same time, the car opposite of you is allowed to go first, then the car right to you and then you. When 4 cars meet at the same time, the drivers have to “negotiate” who drives first.
Incognito Highway Police
The German highway police doesn’t often use police cars. They usually use regular cars with regular colors and plates. Of course these cars have a high powered engine to chase violators. So don’t be afraid to follow a normal car in front of you with a LED in the back window saying “Bitte folgen! – Please follow!”.
The Autobahn (Interstate Highway)
The Autobahn is not a specific interstate street with no speed limit. Autobahn is just the German word for highway and describes all German highways.
There are sections on the Autobahn with no speed limit, but there are as well many sections that have a speed limit. Often used speed limits are:
120 kilometers/hour – approx. 75 miles/hour (used at Autobahn intersections, curves, tunnels or in noise reduction zones)
100 kilometers/hour – approx. 62 miles/hour (used in narrow curves and at Autobahn intersections)
80 kilometers/hour – approx. 50 miles/hour (used in tunnels, construction sites, narrow curves and heavy traffic and nightly noise reduction zones)
60 kilometers/hour – approx. 38 miles/hour (used in construction sites and very heavy traffic/congestion)
When there is no speed limit on the Autobahn, you are allowed to drive as fast as you want or your car can. Of course this is not recommended if you are not used to high speeds above 100 mph.