Driving in Germany

Driving in Germany from the UK is simple once you've got the right kit. There are no motorway tolls for cars, but you'll need a green emissions sticker for most city centres and winter tyres when it's wintry.

Checked on 17 October 2026 against GOV.UK and the RAC and AA guides. Rules change, so check the official sources at the bottom before you travel.

What you must have

  • UK sticker on the rear (unless your number plate shows the UK identifier with the Union flag)
  • Reflective (hi-vis) jacket, within the driver's reach without getting out (AA)
  • Warning triangle (RAC lists it as mandatory; AA strongly recommends it for all drivers)
  • Headlamp beam deflectors or adjusted headlamps
  • Green environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) to enter city low-emission zones
  • Winter or all-season tyres when roads are wintry (RAC)

Worth packing

  • First aid kit: compulsory only for German-registered cars, but strongly recommended for UK cars (AA, RAC)
  • A hi-vis jacket for every passenger (AA)

Documents

  • Your full UK driving licence (photocard). If you still have a paper licence, GOV.UK says you may need to update it to a photocard or get an international driving permit.
  • Your V5C logbook. If the car is hired or leased in the UK, you need a VE103 certificate instead.
  • Your motor insurance certificate. Check with your insurer that you're covered abroad.
  • Your passport.
  • UK sticker: you need one unless your number plate shows the UK identifier with the Union flag. An old GB sticker must be covered or removed (GOV.UK).

Clean-air zones and stickers

Many German city centres are low-emission zones (Umweltzone), marked by 'Umwelt ZONE' signs. To drive in you must display an emissions sticker (Umweltplakette), and only the green sticker is now valid. Without one the fine is €100. Stickers cost about €6–€20. Order yours before you go from an official issuer, such as the city you're visiting (AA).

Official sites:

Tolls and vignettes

No motorway tolls or vignette for private cars. Some vehicles over 3.5 tonnes used for haulage pay tolls via Toll Collect (AA).

Winter rules

Since 2010, cars must have winter or all-season tyres in wintry conditions (RAC). The AA notes that winter tyres or snow chains may be required in winter weather.

Speed limits (cars)

Road Limit
Built-up areas 50 km/h
Roads outside built-up areas 100 km/h
Motorways (Autobahn) No general limit on some stretches; 130 km/h recommended; follow signs

Signs always take priority over these general limits.

Drink-driving limit

The limit is 0.5 g/l of blood (0.05%). It's zero for drivers under 21 and drivers with under 2 years' experience (RAC, AA). The limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 0.8 g/l.

Fines to know about

  • No green sticker in a low-emission zone: €100 (AA)
  • Police can collect fines up to €55 on the spot and ask for a deposit for bigger ones (AA)

Shop the kit

We don't currently stock UK stickers, headlamp beam deflectors, spare bulb kits or breathalysers. Ferry ports, Eurotunnel and most motoring shops sell them, so pick them up before you cross.

See the full Driving abroad range. Clean-air stickers, vignettes and toll passes come only from the official sites linked above. We don't sell them.

FAQs

Do I need a first aid kit in Germany?

It's compulsory for German-registered cars. For UK cars the RAC and AA say it isn't required by law, but they strongly recommend carrying one.

Is a warning triangle compulsory in Germany?

The RAC lists it as mandatory and the AA strongly recommends one for all drivers. It's cheap, so carry one.

Do I need an emissions sticker (Umweltplakette)?

Only to drive into a city low-emission zone (signed 'Umwelt ZONE'). Only the green sticker is valid now. Order it before you go from an official issuer.

Is there really no speed limit on the Autobahn?

Some stretches have no general limit, with 130 km/h recommended, but many sections have posted limits. Always follow the signs.

Do I need winter tyres in Germany?

Yes, when it's wintry. Cars must have winter or all-season tyres in wintry conditions (RAC).

Sources

Checked 17 October 2026:

This page is a general guide for UK-registered cars, not legal advice. Always check the official sources before you travel.