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Roads
Germany's inter-urban road network has a length of more than 231,000 kilometres. Federal trunk roads account for about 53,400 kilometres of this network, with motorways making up around 12,044 kilometres - of which more than 3.000 kilometres consist of six or more lanes - and federal highways around 41,000 kilometres. The federal trunk roads are of vital and continuously increasing importance for Germany due to the country's location at the heart of Europe.
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Changes to the HGV tolling system on 1 January 2009
The Toll Level Regulations have been amended by the Regulations amending motorway toll legislation and the Vehicle Licensing Regulations of 20 November 2008. The amendments entered into force on 1 January 2009. Also on 1 January 2009, the Motorway Toll Act for Heavy Goods Vehicles was amended.
Improving road safety with eCall
Over the last decades, significant improvements have been achieved in road safety. The number of road fatalities has been continuously decreasing. The number of persons killed in road accidents decreased by 75 percent from 21.332 in 1970 to 5.091 in 2006, even though the vehicle population and mileages have tripled in the meantime.
Schedule of Fines
The changes to the schedule of fines and penalties that will take effect on 1 February 2009 serve the purpose of increasing road safety. There is no intention of increasing all fines. The situation will remain unchanged as regards on-the-spot fines and parking offences. The duration of potential driving bans will remain unchanged, too. Speeders and tailgaters in particular as well as especially reckless drivers who deliberately endanger other road users will have to accept considerably higher fines.
Germany's commitment for improving road safety in Europe
For many years now, Germany has been working successfully towards improving road safety. While in 1970 more than 21,300 people were killed in road traffic, the number was reduced to 4,477 in 2008. This is the lowest number since official statistics were introduced in 1953. When looking at this reduction, it has to be kept in mind that, between 1970 and 2008, the number of cars registered in Germany and the traffic volume more than tripled.
Road safety
Society has to have mobility if it is to enjoy progress, prosperity, growth and employment. All forecasts predict a sizeable growth in the volume of traffic in the years ahead, which means that transport policymakers face the task of making this mobility as safe, as environmentally friendly and as socially fair as possible.
Validity of foreign driving licences in Germany
Below you will find the most important rules pertaining to holders of a foreign driving licence in Germany. For further information on how to register and obtain a German driving licence, please contact your local driver licensing authority. The Federal Ministry is not in a position to give advice on individual cases.
