Discovering Germany

Page 26

Discovering Germany

There are three different badges for the windshield:



Green:

allowing driving into the green zone without any

restriction



Yellow:

restricting the driving into the environmental zones



Red:

restricting the driving into the environmental zones

even more

The badges are only available from German vehicle registration authorities and emission

test organizations, found at technical inspection agencies (e.g. Dekra, GTÜ, KÜS, TÜV) and

more than 30,000 workshops throughout Germany. The car’s registration papers have to be

presented, which usually show information on its emission level. These badges usually cost

five to seven Euro. Vehicles without a valid environmental badge (or with the wrong

environmental badge) may not pass through the green zone, otherwise a penalty of €40 and

a penalty point in Flensburg will be imposed if caught. This is also valid for all vehicles

registered in foreign countries as well as for business travelers and for tourists. A continually

updated list of cities with current and planned environmental zones can be looked up at:

(English version available).

Roads

Germany has one of the densest and highly-traveled road systems in the world. Known for

the Autobahn (

Bundesautobahn

), or freeway system, roads in Germany are used for both

personal car travel and freight traffic. The Bundesautobahn, or BAB, is nearly 13,000 km

(8,077 mi) long and accounts for 31% of Germany’s traffic. Local roads, regulated by the

state, cover regional driving needs and differ throughout the country.

Fuel

Popular gas stations in Germany are Aral, Shell, Esso, and Total. Gas stations are self-

serve. In Germany, you pump gas first, then pay in the store. Most gas stations accept credit

card (EC card), or cash.

Insurance and Assistance

Car insurance is compulsory in Germany and you are advised to take out comprehensive

coverage. Those not holding vehicle insurance must take out an insurance policy according

to their stay in Germany. Insurance premiums vary, depending on the type, size, weight of

car, and the region. Most main insurance companies offer coverage.