Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions in general are excellent but can differ from those in the United States. Exercise caution while traveling on older roads in eastern Germany.

If you hold a valid U.S. driver?s license you can drive in Germany for up to six months without acquiring a German driver?s license. Traffic signs differ from those in the United States. Basic information about road signs in Germany is available here. 

Driver error is a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.

Speed limits are posted on large stretches of the highway, on the Autobahn in urban areas and when the road has many curves. While high speeds are permitted on the Autobahn, adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar road markings pose significant hazards.

Bicycles: German streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes. Bicycles have priority use of bike lanes over pedestrians and automobiles. Bicyclists also have priority over cars when turning onto side streets. If you are driving, check whether a bicyclist is approaching from either direction before attempting to enter side streets, even when the light is in your favor. You will be held responsible for any injury or damage caused if you turn into a side street and hit a bicyclist using a marked bike lane. If you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes.

Traffic Laws: Except on priority roads, vehicles coming from the right have the right-of-way. It is generally illegal in Germany to pass vehicles on the right. It is illegal to operate a vehicle if the blood alcohol level is 0.05% or higher. You may be fined and your driver?s license may be suspended for specified periods of time depending upon the gravity of each violation.

It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Germany. For more information, please visit the U.S. embassy?s webpage on driving in Germany.

Public Transportation: Germany has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, trains, and subways. Metered taxis are also prevalent throughout Germany, although taxis generally do not accept credit cards. Uber is available in limited areas in Germany. Use common sense safety practices such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings on all public transportation.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Germany?s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Germany?s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Germany?s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA?s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Germany should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website (https:homeport.uscg.mil), and the NGA broadcast warnings website https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal select ?broadcast warnings?.