Traffic Rules

As compared with the Czech Republic, speed limits are different in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Speed limits for passenger vehicles and other motor vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons
Driving environment	Maximum speed limit in Germany	Maximum speed limit in the Czech Republic
Within a municipality	50 km/h	50 km/h
Outside municipalities	100 km/h	90 km/h
On a motorway	Generally without limitation Recommended speed is 130 km/h	130 km/h

When the speed limit is exceeded by a passenger vehicle or another motor vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tons in Germany	Size of fine for exceeding the speed limit within a municipality (in EUR)	Size of fine for exceeding the speed limit outside municipalities (in EUR)
By up to 10 km/h	15	10
By 11 km/h to 15 km/h	25	20
By 16 km/h to 20 km/h	35	30
By 21 km/h to 25/km/h	80	70
By 26 km/h to 30 km/h	100	80
By 31 km/h to 40 km/h	160	120
By more than 70 km/h	680	600

When driving in the territory of Germany, there is a general obligation for motorcycle riders to have headlights on all day. Car drivers are required to have their headlights on only when there is decreased visibility.

Attention should be given to the requirement to keep a safe distance between travelling vehicles. The basic rule is that a driver must keep such a distance from the vehicle in front so that they can stop their vehicle if the vehicle in front of them suddenly brakes. The Federal Ministry of the Interior states that drivers should keep a distance equal to at least one half of the reading on the tachometer under all circumstances. This means that if a driver is driving at a speed of 100 km/h, the safe distance is at least 50 meters.

The required accessories of a driver of a passenger vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tons in Germany include a first aid kit, a warning triangle and a reflective vest (as of 1 July 2014). A driver must also have particularly their driving licence and the vehicle registration certificate with them (Zulassungsbescheinigung).

In the territory of Germany, there is no total prohibition of alcohol behind the steering wheel; the tolerance of the alcohol level is 0.25 mg/l for a breath test or 0.5 ‰ for a blood test. Nevertheless, it applies that if a driver consumes alcohol before driving, they must always evaluate themselves whether they are capable of driving a vehicle properly. If a driver is not capable of driving a vehicle properly after consuming even a tiny amount of alcohol, the driver is perpetrating a crime.

Total prohibition of alcohol applies to drivers younger than 21 years and to drivers on probation, i.e. two years from the first issue of a driving license.

By driving under the influence of other intoxicating substances (such as marijuana), the driver is perpetrating an illegal act.