Driving abroad
Driving in Germany means driving on the right, with a drink drive limit of 0.05 percent, zero under 21 or in the first two years and motorway speeds of no general limit on derestricted stretches, with an advisory 130 km/h. Everything below is the practical version, the things that actually cost visitors money or time.
Derestricted does not mean unlimited everywhere. Limits change by gantry, and undertaking on the left is a serious offence.
Once the paperwork is sorted, this is what you came for. Deutsche Alpenstrasse West, Deutsche Alpenstrasse Ost, Nurburgring Nordschleife are among the highest scoring roads we hold in Germany, and all of them are open to any road legal car.
Motorway limit
No general limit on derestricted stretches, with an advisory 130 km/h
Outside towns
100 km/h
Built up areas
50 km/h
Drink drive limit
0.05 percent, zero under 21 or in the first two years
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. A planning summary, not legal advice. Check the national road authority before you travel. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 22 June 2026
The detail
Cars use the autobahn free of charge.
Winter or all season tyres marked with the snowflake symbol are compulsory in snow, ice and slush.
Umweltzone low emission zones cover most large cities and need a green Umweltplakette windscreen sticker.
UK and EU licences are accepted.
Reflective jacket, Warning triangle, First aid kit
112
Now the good part
Bavarian Alps, Germany
The western German Alpine Road weaves past castles beneath jagged limestone peaks.
Bavarian Alps, Germany
Sweeping alpine curves link lake resorts on the way to the Austrian border.
Eifel, Germany
The Green Hell loops through Eifel forest with 73 legendary corners open to the public.
Bavarian Alps, Germany
Germany's highest through road climbs to the border with views over the Watzmann massif.
Black Forest, Germany
Germany's original scenic highway rolls along a forested ridge with panoramic Alpine views.
Mosel, Germany
The river road twists beneath vineyard slopes past the hairpin loop at Bremm's Calmont.
Common questions
Motorways no general limit on derestricted stretches, with an advisory 130 km/h, main roads outside towns 100 km/h, and built up areas 50 km/h. Lower limits are posted and always take priority.
Cars use the autobahn free of charge.
0.05 percent, zero under 21 or in the first two years. Roadside testing is routine and the safest approach on a driving tour is nothing at all before you drive.
Winter or all season tyres marked with the snowflake symbol are compulsory in snow, ice and slush.
Reflective jacket, Warning triangle, First aid kit. Emergency number is 112.
UK and EU licences are accepted.