Germany vs United Kingdom driving rules
Compare the main cross-border differences before driving between Germany and United Kingdom.
| Rule | Germany | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Built-up areas | 50 km/h | 32 / 48 km/h |
| Outside built-up areas | 100 km/h | 96 km/h |
| Motorways / expressways | 130 km/h | 112 km/h |
| Standard drivers | 0.5 mg/ml | 0.8 mg/ml |
| Novice drivers | 0.0 mg/ml | 0.8 mg/ml |
| Professional drivers | 0.0 mg/ml | 0.8 mg/ml |
| Daytime lights | Not stated in the standardized source | No general daytime requirement |
| Winter tyres / equipment | Mandatory | Not required by national rules |
| Mandatory equipment | first-aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vest | Not stated in the standardized source |
| Low-emission zones | Check the current national or local official source | Check the current national or local official source |
| Fines and enforcement | Check the current national or local official source | Check the current national or local official source |
| Emergency number | 112 | 999 |
Germany
Typical passenger-car speed limits: 130 km/h is advisory (Richtgeschwindigkeit); motorway sections without a posted limit are unrestricted.
Winter tyres / equipment: The source states that winter tyres are mandatory but gives no dates or conditions.
United Kingdom
Typical passenger-car speed limits: The UK drives on the left and signs limits in mph: built-up areas 30 mph (48 km/h), Wales 20 mph (32 km/h) by default; single carriageways 60 mph (96 km/h); dual carriageways and motorways 70 mph (112 km/h).
Blood alcohol limits: Scotland applies a lower 0.5 mg/ml limit for all drivers.
Daytime lights: Lights are required between sunset and sunrise and when visibility is seriously reduced; no daytime running light mandate.
Mandatory equipment: No mandatory in-car kit; a warning triangle is optional and must not be used on motorways.
This is a planning summary, not legal advice. Road signs and current national rules take priority. Always check the linked official source before departure.