This is still a draft space.
https://www.iamexpat.de/expat-info/driving-germany/registering-vehicle
Driving on German roads is very well regulated and if you don’t adhere to the rules you will get penalty points against your name as well as hefty fines. When you reach a certain amount of points (currently 8) your licence can be suspended. Ignorance of road rules is not an excuse.
The ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) website has the following information:
| Vehicle Insurance | Compulsory |
| Children | Children up to 12 years of age who are smaller than 1.5 metres are only allowed to ride in a child seat. There are various models depending on the child’s age and height. The right selection will determine your child’s safety. |
| Emergency Lanes | ” Die Rettunsgasse muss bereits gebildet werden, sobald der Verkehr stockt und nicht erst, wenn die Rettungskräfte mit Blaulicht und Martinshorn kommen. “ The emergency lane must be formed as soon as the traffic stops and not only when the emergency services come with blue light and a siren. |
| First aid kit in the vehicle DIN 13164 | In your car you must have a safety vest (it is even better if you have one for each passenger), a warning triangle and an up to date first aid kit. As from Feb 2022 – two mouth and nose covers must be included in your kit |
| Reflective vest | In your car you must have a safety vest (it is even better if you have one for each passenger), a warning triangle and an up to date first aid kit. |
| Warning triangle | In your car you must have a safety vest (it is even better if you have one for each passenger), a warning triangle and an up to date first aid kit. |
| Fuel | Running out of fuel on the Autobahn is an offence and you can get a fine. |
| In the case of an accident | In an emergency with injured persons, you should immediately phone the number 112. In a non-emergency, you should phone 110 for the police. Remain at the accident site until the police have arrived. Whoever has damaged a parked car and cannot reach the owner should inform the police and must wait until the accident has been reported. Leaving a note is not enough. Causing an accident and leaving the scene is considered a hit and run and will be punished with a monetary fine or imprisonment up to three years. If your car breaks down on the highway, put on your emergency vest, set up the warning triangle and wait for help in safety behind the guardrail. |
| Motorcycle helmet | If you drive a moped, scooter or motorcycle, you must always wear a helmet. The same applies to the passenger. |
| Roundabout / Traffic Circle | Give way to the left unless signed otherwise. |
| Seat belts | Compulsory for all passengers. |
| Winter Tyres | Compulsory in Winter conditions. Rule of thumb – O bis O (Oktober bis Ostern) |
 | Priority road (priority at all following intersections up to an end-of-priority-road, yield or stop sign). |
 | Sign at an intersection and a definition of the priority. The Thick line has priority. Note that vehicles coming from west must give way to vehicles coming from south (due to right-hand priority). |
Be cautious on the road and watch for warning signs. These red-triangle signs with white backgrounds and black pictograms offer important safety information and should be noted to avoid potential dangers while driving.
Regulatory signs are vital for road safety. They give clear orders to drivers, reducing the chance of accidents and ensuring compliance with traffic rules. In Germany, circular signs with red indicate prohibitive actions and and blue circles indicate prescriptive actions. These signs are non-negotiable and must be followed to avoid penalties and legal consequences.
Everyday traffic situations can quickly escalate in road users harassing or throwing swear words at each other, and reacting aggressively.
Derogatory gestures like showing someone a middle finger or using swear words like “A…hole” are not only rude and offensive, but they can also constitute a criminal offence (§ 185 StGB).
Winter brings new hazards and regulations for drivers, To avoid fines, it’s vital to stay informed about the laws and regulations. Below is a rules you need to be aware of in winter
Let your car engine run to defrost the windows. "Standheizung" is allowed
Driving without your lights on. Switching your lights on helps with visibility
Snow on your car's hood or roof can blow onto other cars' windscreens causing dangerous conditions and accidents. Be a responsible driver by taking preventive measures like removing snow before driving.
Driving without winter tyres despite wintery road conditions. In addition to a fine you will also get on point against you.
Not adjusting your speed in poor visibility conditions. In addition to a fine you will also get on point against you.
For safe winter driving, clear all windows of frost and snow to maintain optimal visibility. Neglecting to do so can be dangerous, obstructing your vision and preventing you from seeing potential hazards.
The traffic law in Germany stipulates that all drivers must carry a first aid kit (Verbandkasten) in their vehicle. The contents of your first aid
The winter conditions in Germany can make the roads dangerous and slippery to drive on.Winter conditions are for example black ice, slippery snow, slush, slippery
If you are only visiting, you need an International driver permit which you can apply for at the AA in South Africa If you stay
If you are only visiting, you need an International driver permit which you can apply for at the AA in South Africa
If you stay longer, you can drive legally for 6 months with your South African licence and an Internationallicense, after that you must convert your SA licence to a German one.
This might change so always check on the links we provide for the most relevant information or on your local traffic department’s website.
You need the following to apply to convert your South African license to a German driver’s license:
During your licence application in Germany, you will need to submit your SA license to the German authorities, which means you will need an International Drivers license to drive in South Africa.
According to regulation 110 of the National Road Traffic Act, a foreign license is only valid in South Africa if it has been issued in one of South Africa’s official languages.
The German license is therefore not valid and you should have an International license.
You can apply for an International license at the Führerscheinstelle of either the Stadtverwaltung, Bürgerampt, Rathaus, or Landratsamt, depending on where you live. It is recognised in 200 countries.
Here is a list of countries where you will need an International Licence once you have your German(EU) licence.
You can find the application forms online or at the office you apply
You will need a biometric photo and your German driver’s licence
In 2022 the cost is €16
Sie können den Internationalen Führerschein bei den Straßenverkehrsämtern (Führerscheinstelle) an Ihrem Wohnort beantragen.
Führerscheinstelle ist,
You need to renew your licence in person in South Africa.
Please take note that “your South African driving licence card is your valid proof that you have a South African Driving Licence.
When your driving licence card has expired, it does not mean that your driving licence has expired. Only your valid proof of such a licence has expired”
Applicants outside the borders of the RSA whose Driving Licence Cards have expired or were lost/stolen and who are not in a position to return to the RSA to have the licence renewed:
According to DIRCO – “The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), a corporation of the Department of Transport, is in a position to issue a confirmation letter should such an applicant have a valid licence.
This is established by verifying the applicant’s South African identification number on the National Traffic Information System.
The letter will serve as proof that the applicant has a valid licence and this will enable them to convert to a foreign driving licence in the country of current residence.
Please note:
The confirmation letter cannot be interpreted as a driving licence when produced to a law enforcement official.
You can send an email to dlconfirmations@rtmc.co.za.
Your request must include your contact numbers (including email address), a copy of your ID or a copy of your driving licence.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will upon request, investigate, and print a copy of the licence required and a Letter of Confirmation of the licence. This letter reflects the date that the licence was first issued. Kindly note that the person collecting the letter must provide acceptable identification and may also arrange for a courier to collect it.
Location and Contacts/ Confirmation letters are facilitated at:
RTMC-NaTIS Facility, 13 Howick Close, Waterfall Park, Bekker Road, Midrand
+27 11 266-2000 (Telephone)
+28 86 415 9120 (Fax)
– You can ask someone to collect the original from their office in Centurion, or use one of the companies listed on our marketplace to collect, apostille and courier it to you, it can take around 2 months.
More info from DIRCO
Get South African apostilles, police clearances, birth/marriage certificates, legalisations and much more quickly and efficiently through our legal service. We have helped thousands of people
Embark on a hassle-free journey with our comprehensive document services. Whether you’re planning to travel, work abroad, or need vital documents, Doc Assist is here
| English | German |
| citizens’ office | das Bürgeramt |
| City hall | das Rathaus |
| Conversion of a Foreign Driver’s License | Umschreibung einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis |
| Driver’s License | der Führerschein |
| driver’s license office | die Führerscheinstelle |
| Driving School | die Fahrschule |
| first-aid course | der Erste-Hilfe-Kurs |
| Permanent Residence card | der Personalausweis |
| Translation | die Übersetzung |
.
You cannot register your vehicle without having insurance. There are basically three options for vehicle insurance – third-party, partial or comprehensive.Third-party liability insurance is compulsory,
The winter conditions in Germany can make the roads dangerous and slippery to drive on.Winter conditions are for example black ice, slippery snow, slush, slippery
Driving on German roads is very well regulated and if you don’t adhere to the rules you will get penalty points against your name
You must be logged in to post a comment.