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Local Germany
28-05-2025
- Local Germany
Where drivers in Germany can expect the worst traffic around Ascension Day
Ascension Day ( Christi Himmelfahrt ) commemorates Christ's ascension to heaven 40 days after his resurrection. The holiday, which is also known as Vatertag, or Father's Day, in Germany, always falls on a Thursday -- this year on May 29th. The following Friday is officially school-free in Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – and in numerous individual schools in other states. With many workers also taking the Friday off as a Brückentag , or bridge day, the German roads and highways will be extra busy. Here's where traffic is expected to be the most intense over the holiday weekend. Germany's largest motoring club, the ADAC, has warned of heavy traffic jams due to the increased volume of drivers, as well as around 1,200 road works across the Autobahn network. 'There is a particular risk of traffic jams on the motorways near urban centres, the travel routes towards the Alps and the coast and on the access routes to local recreation areas,' the ADAC announced. Traffic jams are expected to begin as early as Wednesday, ramping up in the afternoon between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. But as of 11a.m. Wednesday morning, traffic jams were reported in the Hamburg area, with vehicles at a standstill on the A7 between Fleestedt and the Elbe tunnel in the direction of Flensburg. The most congested day of the year Days around the Ascension Day holiday are known to be among the busiest days of the year on German roads. In 2024, the day before Ascension Day was one of the most congested days of the year. The wave of returning travellers is expected to reach its peak on Sunday afternoon and continue into the evening. In comparison, it should be relatively quiet on the Autobahn network on Friday and Saturday, making these days more ideal if you're planning a daytrip. Advertisement International travellers should also bear in mind that Ascension Day is also public holiday in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Longer than usual travel times are expected on the Tauern, Fernpass, Brenner, Rhine Valley, and Gotthard routes. Many vacationers from southern Germany are heading to Italy. Despite major construction on the Brenner Pass, the route is expected remain open with two lanes in both directions. Germany's busiest roads Experts say the following routes are particularly prone to traffic jams over the long weekend: A1 Köln – Hamburg Kölner Ring (A1/A3/A4) A2 Berlin – Dortmund A3 Köln – Nürnberg A4 Görlitz – Chemnitz A5 Heidelberg – Karlsruhe A6 Heilbronn – Nürnberg A7 Hamburg – Flensburg und Würzburg – Füssen/Reutte A8 Stuttgart – Salzburg A9 München – Berlin A10 Berliner Ring A24 Hamburg – Berliner Ring A81 Heilbronn – Singen A93 Inntaldreieck – Kufstein A95/B2 München – Garmisch-Partenkirchen A96 München – Lindau A99 Autobahnring München Tighter controls on the borders If you are travelling across international borders this weekend, don't forget to plan for longer than usual waiting times on your return journey as a result of increased border controls. Under current rules, all travellers, including children, are required to carry identification documents. READ ALSO: How long can Germany keep its tighter border controls in place?
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Opel reveals new electric rally car of the future prototype
Opel has become the first manufacturer to develop an all-electric rally car built to the FIA's new eRally5 regulations with the unveiling of its prototype Mokka GSE Rally. The German manufacturer has been one of the leading marques in electric rally car production having enjoyed success with its Corsa Rally Electric, which is used in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, enjoying its fifth season this year. Advertisement Now the car maker has taken the covers off its latest electric rally car prototype, the Mokka GSE Rally which will make its debut at ELE Rally Eindhoven this weekend. The car is the first vehicle built to the FIA's eRally5 regulations devised in 2022 for cars largely based on two-wheel drive production-spec models featuring a stock motor, inverter and battery. 'For more than four years, Opel and the ADAC have been demonstrating that electric rallying works and excites,' said Opel and Vauxhall CEO Florian Huettl. 'With our new Opel Mokka GSE Rally, we are offering a glimpse of a fully electric next generation rally car thanks to the latest motorsport technology the prototype offers strong performance and power aplenty.' Opel Mokka GSE Rally Opel Mokka GSE Rally Opel Opel Advertisement According to Opel, the Mokka GSE Rally will deliver 'performance on a par with a Rally4 car' with the vehicle producing a peak output of 207 kW (280 hp) and torque of 345 Newton metres. It features a multi-plate limited-slip differential and a racing gearbox, together with reinforced drive shafts and wheel hubs bolted to a lightweight chassis. The software tuning for the engine and battery management has been designed for maximum efficiency, driveability under competitive conditions and performance. To ensure the highest safety standards, the car's battery is shrouded in a special casing. In the unlikely event of an insulation issue, a visual and acoustic warning system immediately reports a malfunction. Advertisement In the event of a sudden deceleration (such as in a collision), a sophisticated sensor system completely shuts down the high-voltage system in a few tenths of a second. In addition, the Mokka GSE Rally has a special extinguishing system with electrically non-conductive extinguishing agent. Opel believes the Mokka GSE Rally could be ready for competition in 2026. To read more articles visit our website.
Local Germany
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Local Germany
Everything you need to carry in your car while driving in Germany
Beside your driver's licence and vehicle registration document, there are a few more items that you are legally required to have in your vehicle while driving in Germany. In fact, failing to have any of the required items on hand if you are checked would be considered a traffic violation and could result in a fine. While the list of requirements is quite similar to those in many neighbouring European countries (like France ), some required items might come as a surprise to drivers who originally got their licences in countries that don't enforce these rules. Here's what the law says you need in your car in Germany at all times: Licence and vehicle documents Starting with the obvious first, in Germany – as in most countries – you must have your driver's licence and your vehicle registration documents ( Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I ) with you at all times while driving. According to Germany's largest auto association (ADAC), if you are unable to produce your documents when asked by authorities you can be fined €10. Of course, if you were caught driving without having a driver's licence at all, that would be a much more serious offence. First aid kit In most cases 'better safe than sorry' is just a good rule of thumb, but in Germany sometimes it's enshrined in law. For example, every vehicle on the road in the Bundesrepublik should have a first-aid kit in tow. This is established in both Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) and Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) regulations. A standard small first aid kit containing bandages and disinfectant will suffice. Failing to have a first aid kit can result in a €10 fine. Advertisement High-visibility vest Due an EU-wide regulation, you'll also need at least one high-visibility vest in your car. (Specifically, the vest needs to meet the European standards EN 471 or EN ISO 20471). This requirement applies to all cars, trucks and buses registered in Germany, but motorcycles and motorhomes are exempt. A family walk along the side of the road in hi-vis vests on a dark night in Germany. Photo: picture alliance/dpa/ADAC | ADAC/Abgedreht It's advisable to have an extra vest for each passenger in your vehicle, but having at least one for the driver will satisfy the minimum requirement. If you are caught without one, you could be fined €15. Remember to put the vest on before stepping out of the vehicle when you are parked on the shoulder of a high-traffic road, especially on the Autobahn or other high-speed motorways. Warning triangle A reflective warning triangle can help prevent rear-end collisions when your car breaks down or must be parked on the side of busy roads and highways. In Germany most drivers carry a reflective, red triangle. According to ADAC it needs to be 'reflective, portable, stable and designed to be seen from a distance'. There is also a rule about where to place the triangle when you need to use it: in fast traffic the triangle should be set up around 100 metres before your vehicle, while on the Autobahn it should be around 150 metres back. (That's about 200 steps.) Should you break down on the Autobahn, the suggested procedure is to pull over on the right shoulder, put on your reflective vest, and then put the triangle in place before doing anything else. Failing to carry a warning triangle could result in a €15 fine. READ ALSO: Why it's illegal to run out of fuel on the German Autobahn Advertisement Items required at certain times Beyond the strictly required items above, the following items are required in some situations: Snow / winter tyres Winter tyres (or those certified for snow and ice) are required in Germany when you are driving in freezing conditions. If you are caught driving in freezing weather without proper tyres, you can be fined up to €120 or face more serious sanctions. For this reason many Germans swap the tyres on their car to winter ones around October, and then back to summer tyres around Easter - a system known as 'Oktober bis Ostern' or 'O bis O' for short. READ ALSO: O bis O - What you should know about changing tyres in Germany Emissions Sticker Most registered cars in Germany will have an emissions sticker, or Umweltplakette, placed in the corner of the driver's side of the front windshield. This is required to drive in certain low-emission zones ( Umweltzonen ), which are enforced in certain cities. Beam deflectors If you're driving a vehicle with headlights that are not set for driving on the right side of the road – if you've come from the UK in a car that doesn't have adjustable lights, for instance – then you need to have headlamp beam deflectors. LISTED: The items you can't carry in your car in Germany Advertisement Recommended extras The following are not required by German law, but you may want to consider keeping them for emergency situations: Fire extinguisher Spare tyre and jack Jumper cables Tow rope Bottles of water and non-perishable snacks Flashlight Mobile phone charger
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Driving in Germany: A necessity turning into a privilege
Getting a driving license in Germany now requires not only time and commitment but also a significant amount of money. According to Germany's leading automobile club ADAC, the cost of a driving license ranges from €2,500 to €3,500, and in some cases, even more. For students and young adults, it is fast becoming a luxury, as per a report by TOI. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Nuclear Power! How India and Pakistan's arsenals stack up Does America have a plan to capture Pakistan's nuclear weapons? Airspace blockade: India plots a flight path to skip Pakistan Germany's driving education system is strictly regulated. Learners must complete 14 mandatory theory classes and 12 practical driving lessons. In contrast, countries like Poland offer less regulated and more affordable programs, where a license may cost as little as €600. According to the TOI report, Florian Müller, transport policy spokesperson from the CDU party, said driving education in Germany needs reform. 'We need a contemporary and modern driving education that is affordable and reflects current road realities,' he said. For students like Varsha Iyer, who moved from India to study in Düsseldorf in 2018, the process was financially exhausting. She worked part-time at a bakery to pay for her lessons. While she cleared the theory test in one attempt, she failed the practical exam five times. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like "2 Most Profitable Trading Strategy in 2025" by Hiral TradeWise Learn More Undo 'The main culprit was that testing conditions were quite strict,' she said. 'I understand the need for high standards,' she added, but noted that the tests did not reflect real-life driving. Her total cost exceeded €5,000. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Migrants often face added challenges such as language barriers and unfamiliar traffic systems. 'Driving in Germany is clearly still a privilege,' Iyer said. 'Very few people have unlimited resources to keep paying for retesting.' Live Events You Might Also Like: VFS Global launches CSP assistance service for Germany visa applicants in Bengaluru and Kochi Some residents are considering getting a license abroad. But according to ADAC spokesperson Katharina Luca, this is not a simple solution. 'People often forget that you have to live in the country for at least 185 days to get a license there,' she said. Additional travel and stay expenses also apply. Luca said reforming Germany's own system would be more effective. The CDU's Müller agreed, noting that delays in getting a license are becoming common. According to TÜV Association data, failure rates are rising. Nearly half of theory test-takers now fail, and one-third fail the practical exam. Experts say the major cost driver is the number of lessons needed. 'Our clientele has changed. Young people don't look at the road anymore, but at their smartphones. They come to us and no longer have any traffic awareness,' said Kurt Bartels, head of the driving instructors' association in North Rhine-Westphalia. The complexity of German traffic has increased with new road users like e-scooters and advanced car systems. Driving schools also face rising costs due to rent, vehicles, and instructor shortages. One idea gaining attention is the use of simulators. These could teach basic skills like gear shifting and blind spot checks, potentially easing instructor workloads. 'You can consider what tasks only a driving instructor can do, and what parts could potentially be handled by a machine,' said Müller. You Might Also Like: German economy grew by 0.2% in first quarter, skirting recession However, simulators still lack official recognition in Germany. Bartels remains cautious. 'If you use a simulator, it still has to be supervised by an instructor,' he said. 'And no simulator can replace real-life driving – especially on the Autobahn or at night.' Despite growing pressure, Müller's proposal to reduce licensing costs was rejected by the Bundestag. Since 2020, driving school costs have increased by 38%, outpacing inflation. 'Maybe our driving education is expensive, but it's also very thorough,' said ADAC's Luca. 'At the same time, we also see that other countries with cheaper training programs don't necessarily have higher accident rates.' Austria, for example, allows learners to practice privately with a qualified adult, reducing the need for professional lessons. In Germany, the license remains 'a privilege that opens the door to other privileges,' said Iyer. 'If you can afford it, you're at an advantage. If not, the steering wheel remains out of reach.'
Local Germany
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Local Germany
EXPLAINED: Why it's illegal to run out of fuel on the German Autobahn
Around the world drivers who like to go fast dream of flying down the German Autobahn at (almost) unrestricted speeds. But while Germany's national highway system is unfettered by speed limits (at least in some sections), driving on the Autobahn comes with other rules, including some that may take foreign drivers by surprise. Running out of fuel while driving on the Autobahn , for example, is illegal. Most drivers know better than to let their fuel tanks run dry because it's bad for the engine, but if it happens on a German highway, it's actually a punishable offence. Why is it illegal to run out of fuel on the Autobahn ? Given the high speed of traffic permitted, stopping on German highways can be extremely dangerous. Therefore traffic law forbids stopping on the Autobahn , as well as turning around or driving in reverse. Of course an exception is made for breakdowns that are out of your control. If you blow a tire, or another unexpected mechanical failure brings your car to a stop, you wont be penalised as long as you follow all other traffic safety laws. Running out of fuel, however, is considered a preventable offence and is therefore not excusable in the eyes of German traffic law. So when driving in Germany, it's worth double checking your fuel gauge before getting on the highway. READ ALSO: Ice to the Autobahn - 8 common myths American travellers have about Germany People drive on the Autobahn in Laichingen in Baden-Württemberg. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Stefan Puchner What's the penalty? Running out of petrol on the highway in Germany is considered an administrative offence, and it's punished similar to an unauthorised stop on the Autobahn . A stop on the motorway for less than three minutes can result in a fine of €35. Anything over three minutes is considered parking on the highway, which results in a fine of €70. In the worst-case scenario, however, you may run out of petrol and cause an accident by breaking down in the middle of the road. In this case you could be charged with gross negligence and be handed a much more severe punishment, depending on the situation. Advertisement What to do in a breakdown If you do experience a breakdown on the highway – due to running out of fuel or otherwise – it's good to know how you should handle the situation in Germany. First, you should pull over as far to the right as possible and park the car on the shoulder of the road. Next put on your safety vest and set up a warning triangle behind your rear bumper. (You should keep these items in the trunk of your car at all times in Germany.) Once your car is parked and secured, you should call roadside assistance, like that offered by motorists' club ADAC or a local mechanic. Do not attempt to walk to the petrol station yourself. When calling emergency services, be sure to them which type of fuel you need. In most cases, roadside service can be expected to arrive within 30 minutes. READ ALSO: What are the rules around driving a friend or relative's car in Germany? Advertisement Keep eyes on the fuel gauge The easiest way to avoid running out of fuel is simply to head to the nearest petrol station as soon as your fuel gauge lights up. In most cars, the fuel indicator comes on when there is around seven liters left in the tank. You can find the specific amount in your car's manual. To be on the safe side, it's advisable not to plan to drive more than 50 kilometres from the point when the indicator light comes on. Beside the potential fines, running out of fuel completely can cause expensive damages to your fuel pump. LISTED: The items you can't carry in your car in Germany
