CAR HIRE IN GERMANY

German drivers have a reputation for being fast but disciplined. Roads are smooth and impeccably maintained, even in the east of the country where great strides have been made in bringing the potholed road network inherited at reunification up to scratch.

MOTORWAYS

Germany has a dense network of Autobahnen (motorways) famous for being free of speed restrictions. however, this only applies to parts of the network. Where speed limits are posted they are generally obeyed and in any case rigorously enforced.

Even on derestricted stretches traffic often keeps speeds down. A 100-mile traffic jam was once recorded on the A7 hambourg to the Danish border. routes to the Alps can be particularly busy at weekends in the ski season and summer holiday time. Don't run out of fuel on the Autobahn: it's an offence. Police are empowered to impose on-the-spot fines.