Destinations / Germany
Driving in Germany as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Visitors from outside the EU should carry an IDP with their licence to drive or rent in Germany.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Germany expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | No general Autobahn limit; 130 km/h advisory |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Speed | Autobahn: keep right except to overtake; some sections have no speed limit. |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Winter tyres mandatory in wintry conditions. |
| City zones | Environmental (Umweltplakette) sticker required for low-emission city zones. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; zero for drivers under 21. |
On the road in Germany
At the pump
Stations sell Super E5/E10 and Super Plus petrol plus Diesel; nearly all are self-service where you fuel first then pay inside (cash or card widely accepted). Pumps are colour/label coded, petrol runs about EUR 1.75-1.90/litre, and Sunday/late-night availability is good on Autobahn services.
After a crash
Call 112 (ambulance/fire) or 110 (police); police must be called if anyone is injured or damage is significant. Complete the European Accident Statement (Europaischer Unfallbericht) with the other driver, secure the scene with warning triangle and hi-vis vest, do not move injured persons or vehicles needlessly, and report to the rental company.
Sources: rac.co.uk · evz.de · iamexpat.de · europa.eu
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Germany?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Visitors from outside the EU should carry an IDP with their licence to drive or rent in Germany.
Which translation format is used for Germany?
Germany uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Germany ask for a translation?
Requested for non-Roman-alphabet and non-EU licences at all major chains.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Germany?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.