What is widely regarded as the world's first motorway was built in Berlin. Continuing road building and developments mean the German Autobahn network is now the world's third largest highway, after those found in the United States and China.

Wherever you need to travel in Germany, you may be lucky enough to drive on scenic routes and will no doubt at some point need to drive on one of the famous Autobahns.

Ensure you stay safe on German roads by familiarising yourself with the rules of the road before you arrive and start driving. You may have heard of the Autobahn due to stories of speed anarchy but many parts of the Autobahn do actually have speed limits.

The general concept behind the Autobahn is to provide obstruction-free, high-speed traffic flow. Most Autobahns have two or three, and occasionally four, lanes per direction.

Autobahns have reflector guide posts at 50 metre intervals with lots of parking areas which are often equipped with toilet facilities so hopefully you'll never be caught short. There are also extensive and ample service areas with petrol stations, restaurants, and hotels so you can take frequent breaks and stock up on fuel and other essentials.

Automated traffic and weather monitoring and electronic signs provide information on speed limits and are an effective means of giving advance warning of any potential traffic pitfalls, such as congestion, accidents, construction or hazardous weather.

Emergency telephones are generally found every two kilometres so you can rest safe in the knowledge that you are never completely unable to communicate with the world.

Driving in Germany tends to be an enjoyable experience; maintenance is typically superb and the roads are generally of a high standard. To safely facilitate heavy, high-speed traffic, special laws apply when driving on the Autobahn.

Bicycles, mopeds, and pedestrians are not allowed on the Autobahn. Any vehicle with a maximum speed rating of less than 60 km/h (36 mph) is prohibited too.

Overtaking on the right hand side is strictly not allowed. Slower vehicles must move to the right to allow faster traffic to pass, and drivers should always stay in the right lane except to pass.

The only exception to this rule is when in heavy traffic and vehicles have started queuing. In this situation you are allowed to overtake on the right, but only at a slow speed.

You may also pass on the right while you are still in the designated acceleration lane upon entering the Autobahn. Vehicles entering the Autobahn must give way to the traffic already there.

Stopping, parking, U-turns, and backing-up are strictly not allowed, including on shoulders and ramps.

There are no tolls for passenger vehicles to use the Autobahn, so driving on it won't cost you anything, apart from fuel of course.

Before you leave for Germany, you should consider getting European car insurance. You can usually choose this as an optional extra on your standard car insurance policy.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com