hi, we moved into swizerland to temporary accommodation about 5mths ago from the uk and stayed ther for 3mths now live in southern germany. being truthful my german is terrable (start lessons tomorrow ) but last week i got a parking ticket, could not understand why; had my little blue card on the front, the sign said 90minutes, i was only 20min. so off i went to the rathouse, and with the small amout of german i had asked what the problem was, to my amazment i was parked around the wrong way!!! can i ask is there anything else i should know about german parking and driving that is differant to the uk?
also was just reading one of the posts, does any one know if i would have got points for this? would not suprise me!
also apologise for spelling, first i know it is bad and secondly the new key board i have has extra letters and letter round the wrong way!! taking some getting used to :$
thanks tracey
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Parking in the Direction of Traffic
) but last week i got a parking ticket, could not understand why; had my little blue card on the front, the sign said 90minutes, i was only 20min. so off i went to the rathouse, and with the small amout of german i had asked what the problem was, to my amazment i was parked around the wrong way!!! can i ask is there anything else i should know about german parking and driving that is differant to the uk?
Don't straddle the bays.
Hiya Tracey and welcome to the Britboard!
Yes you have to park in the direction of the traffic.
So have you paid the fine? Or did the ticket say the authorities are going to get in touch with you? If so and you are on UK plates then don't worry I got a few of those tickets when I first came here with my UK car and they were never checked up though. They were for parking in a residents area without a permit though so might be a bit different.
I doubt they would give you points for this so don't worry too much.
I think that is the only parking rule that is different at least it is the only one that springs to mind.
Somebody with a bit more knowledge on the subject is sure to be able to say more.
Yes you have to park in the direction of the traffic.
So have you paid the fine? Or did the ticket say the authorities are going to get in touch with you? If so and you are on UK plates then don't worry I got a few of those tickets when I first came here with my UK car and they were never checked up though. They were for parking in a residents area without a permit though so might be a bit different.
I doubt they would give you points for this so don't worry too much.
I think that is the only parking rule that is different at least it is the only one that springs to mind.
Somebody with a bit more knowledge on the subject is sure to be able to say more.
QUOTE
Don't straddle the bays.
One letter different and it would have been a completely different story.
Jean-Pierre
Hi tracey - welcome from me as well
Technically, you are supposed to park the right way in the UK as well - it's just more eagerly enforced here in good old Germany.
Technically, you are supposed to park the right way in the UK as well - it's just more eagerly enforced here in good old Germany.
Hi Tracy, where are you from in southern Germany ?
I mostly park the "wrong way round" but here noone seems to bother !!
Stephen
p.s. Welcome from me too !!
I mostly park the "wrong way round" but here noone seems to bother !!
Stephen
p.s. Welcome from me too !!
QUOTE
can i ask is there anything else i should know about german parking and driving that is differant to the uk
-for one thing, drive on the right hand side.
-give way to everyone at all times .. it is safer that way
-always look out for bikes
-parking has to be in the direction of the traffic
but if you want to really fit in
-beep your horn as soon as the lights think of changing from red
-when parked on the side of the road waiting to pick someone up, keep your headlights on (best is on fullbeam), to confuse oncoming traffic
-when signs say to turn off engine when waiting at level crossings, ignore
-where a single lane road is (almost) wide enough, you can make a second temporary lane if it is quicker
-when turning left at lights, if car in front is slow, overtake them in the curve
-see how close you can get to the car in front, you wuss!
-leave motorway earlier by driving along the hard shoulder
-use your mobile phone when driving
But maaph, you forgot some of the most impotant things:
The Mercedes Benz "auto left indicator on when on the motorway switch" You have to have one of those fitted if you drive a Benz in Germany.
And, not to forget: If you want to stop somewhere, just slow down without touching your brakes untill you have virtually stopped, then indicate and pretend you didn't do anything wrong. The people behind are probably honking their horn to tell you that you brake light are not working... Or why not just swerve out without using your indicators at all - very common thing !!
Drive 20kmh under the Speed limit, to cause traffic jams, and avoid Granddad and grandma when they have their day out from the old peoples home. They will be driving a car with a covered loo roll on the back parcelshelf and maybe one of the Wackeldackels too. Don't try and overtake them, as they will flash their lights at you for wanting to go faster than they are...
The Mercedes Benz "auto left indicator on when on the motorway switch" You have to have one of those fitted if you drive a Benz in Germany.
And, not to forget: If you want to stop somewhere, just slow down without touching your brakes untill you have virtually stopped, then indicate and pretend you didn't do anything wrong. The people behind are probably honking their horn to tell you that you brake light are not working... Or why not just swerve out without using your indicators at all - very common thing !!
Drive 20kmh under the Speed limit, to cause traffic jams, and avoid Granddad and grandma when they have their day out from the old peoples home. They will be driving a car with a covered loo roll on the back parcelshelf and maybe one of the Wackeldackels too. Don't try and overtake them, as they will flash their lights at you for wanting to go faster than they are...
QUOTE
Technically, you are supposed to park the right way in the UK as well - it's just more eagerly enforced here in good old Germany.
A friend of mine had his insurance claim turned down in the UK because he was parked facing the wrong direction.
Love the bit about the covered loo roll. And dont they wear hats in cars as well?
One thing that irks me is a one way street near where I live. On the right hand side are parked cars. Left hand side is the edge of a park lined with trees. Now if I cycle along the left hand side - its a one way street remember, so we are all going the same way, I get irate hootings from passing cars. I do this to avoid being too close to the parked cars on the right hand side, in case of a passenger door opening suddenly. Makes much more sense to cycle on the left in that situation on the side where there are no cars parked.
But for some reason it annoys the germans! OK I know you are supposed to keep to the right. Left h.s. is for overtaking. But its a one-way street, not really doing anyone any harm!
Personally I think its another sign of national "Ordnungsneurose"! They just cant live and let live. Every little thing must be immediately getadelt and angemahnt. But then, they wouldnt be happy living any other way...
One thing that irks me is a one way street near where I live. On the right hand side are parked cars. Left hand side is the edge of a park lined with trees. Now if I cycle along the left hand side - its a one way street remember, so we are all going the same way, I get irate hootings from passing cars. I do this to avoid being too close to the parked cars on the right hand side, in case of a passenger door opening suddenly. Makes much more sense to cycle on the left in that situation on the side where there are no cars parked.
But for some reason it annoys the germans! OK I know you are supposed to keep to the right. Left h.s. is for overtaking. But its a one-way street, not really doing anyone any harm!
Personally I think its another sign of national "Ordnungsneurose"! They just cant live and let live. Every little thing must be immediately getadelt and angemahnt. But then, they wouldnt be happy living any other way...
When filling up at the tankstelle, smoke!
When in a RTA on the autobahn and standing in spilt petrol, Smoke!
When on your handy in the car, smoke!
Overtake someone then slow down to 5km an hour slower than you were originally doing.
On the sunniest day of the year at midday drive with lights on full beam.
Indicators in Southern Germany are banned.
When someone is overtaking you on the autobahn and are nearly at your bumper, pull out 2km from that lorry ahead that you want to overtake and drive at around 80-90km an hour!
All whilst smoking!
P.S I smoke but not in the above scenerios
When in a RTA on the autobahn and standing in spilt petrol, Smoke!
When on your handy in the car, smoke!
Overtake someone then slow down to 5km an hour slower than you were originally doing.
On the sunniest day of the year at midday drive with lights on full beam.
Indicators in Southern Germany are banned.
When someone is overtaking you on the autobahn and are nearly at your bumper, pull out 2km from that lorry ahead that you want to overtake and drive at around 80-90km an hour!
All whilst smoking!
P.S I smoke but not in the above scenerios
QUOTE
just slow down without touching your brakes untill you have virtually stopped, then indicate
Why indicate? If you are parking in the road you do not indicate, only if you leave the road to park.
Also one thing that most people dont know is when you drive into a roundabout you do not indicate right, you only do this before the exit you want.
When leaving a carpark after a days skiing and theres a BMW X5 heading toward you on your side of the road, flash headlights and wave frantically, shouting abuse that no-one can hear. As you get closer together and your waving becomes more frantic and your language more abusive, suddenly realise that your in the wrong not the other driver.
Place foot on accelerator, head down refuse to make eye contact with the other driving also waving frantically and swearing, and drive home quick!
I was driving a german car but had just spent some time in UK and for some reason couldnt tell my arse from my elbow.
Place foot on accelerator, head down refuse to make eye contact with the other driving also waving frantically and swearing, and drive home quick!
I was driving a german car but had just spent some time in UK and for some reason couldnt tell my arse from my elbow.
QUOTE
Also one thing that most people dont know is when you drive into a roundabout you do not indicate right, you only do this before the exit you want.
Well I am not sure I have ever seen anyone indicate on a roundabout in Germany
And don't forget to do all these things while walking too. eg never use the left hand side of a flight of stairs; if the path splits in 2 say around a fountain (Taunusanlage) only go round the right hand side.
nearly forgot .. drive at 45 km/h in the roads marked with the "children at play" sign .. except when in your own street of course!!!
I indicate at roundabouts, when joining and leaving - in other words indicating left if I need the third exit, switching to right blink after passing the second exit.
Seems so much more informative ..
I indicate at roundabouts, when joining and leaving - in other words indicating left if I need the third exit, switching to right blink after passing the second exit.
Seems so much more informative ..
QUOTE
Well I am not sure I have ever seen anyone indicate on a roundabout in Germany
come up this end of the forest and you will see me indicating QUOTE
indicate at roundabouts, when joining and leaving - in other words indicating left if I need the third exit, switching to right blink after passing the second exit.
but not the german StVO it clearly states on when exiting a roundabout
QUOTE
9a Kreisverkehr
(1) Ist an der Einmündung in einen Kreisverkehr Zeichen 215 (Kreisverkehr) unter Zeichen 205 (Vorfahrt gewähren!) angeordnet, hat der Verkehr auf der Kreisfahrbahn Vorfahrt. Bei der Einfahrt in einen solchen Kreisverkehr ist die Benutzung des Fahrtrichtungsanzeigers unzulässig. Innerhalb des Kreisverkehrs ist das Halten auf der Fahrbahn verboten.
(2) Die Mittelinsel des Kreisverkehrs darf nicht überfahren werden. Ausgenommen davon sind Fahrzeuge, denen wegen ihrer Abmessungen das Befahren des Kreisverkehrs sonst nicht möglich wäre. Mit ihnen darf die Mittelinsel überfahren werden, wenn eine Gefährdung anderer Verkehrsteilnehmer ausgeschlossen ist.
(1) Ist an der Einmündung in einen Kreisverkehr Zeichen 215 (Kreisverkehr) unter Zeichen 205 (Vorfahrt gewähren!) angeordnet, hat der Verkehr auf der Kreisfahrbahn Vorfahrt. Bei der Einfahrt in einen solchen Kreisverkehr ist die Benutzung des Fahrtrichtungsanzeigers unzulässig. Innerhalb des Kreisverkehrs ist das Halten auf der Fahrbahn verboten.
(2) Die Mittelinsel des Kreisverkehrs darf nicht überfahren werden. Ausgenommen davon sind Fahrzeuge, denen wegen ihrer Abmessungen das Befahren des Kreisverkehrs sonst nicht möglich wäre. Mit ihnen darf die Mittelinsel überfahren werden, wenn eine Gefährdung anderer Verkehrsteilnehmer ausgeschlossen ist.
The second one is good, we had a lorry parked on the top of a roundabout by us. It was not a flat one but a really high one, dont know how he managed it but it sat there all morning.
QUOTE
if the path splits in 2 say around a fountain (Taunusanlage) only go round the right hand side.
depends how many beers you have had, otherwise straight through it
Somebody told me recently that technically speaking parking on "the wrong side" is not an offence. You'll only get fined it the traffic warden deems your action to be a danger to traffic.
So in quiet areas and housing estates people will (and do) park on "the wrong side", but if you try doing it on a main thoroughfare you have to cross so much traffic going the other way, and cause disruption, that they'll throw the book at you.
In other words, it's down to the personal interpretation of the trigger-happy warden.
So in quiet areas and housing estates people will (and do) park on "the wrong side", but if you try doing it on a main thoroughfare you have to cross so much traffic going the other way, and cause disruption, that they'll throw the book at you.
In other words, it's down to the personal interpretation of the trigger-happy warden.
Well, at least your indicators work.
I only indicate when leaving roundabouts.
One thing that does get on my nerves is Foggies. People with foglights on when it is not foggy. Best time is when it's wet, and with the reflection you have 8 sources of light coming towards you. Mercedes cars have even started to turn on one of the foglights when turning a corner. Its ridiculus !! And it looks shite !!
Why do so many people like to drive round with Blackpool illuminations on full all the time ???
I only indicate when leaving roundabouts.
One thing that does get on my nerves is Foggies. People with foglights on when it is not foggy. Best time is when it's wet, and with the reflection you have 8 sources of light coming towards you. Mercedes cars have even started to turn on one of the foglights when turning a corner. Its ridiculus !! And it looks shite !!
Why do so many people like to drive round with Blackpool illuminations on full all the time ???
saying that about having lights on and going OT here, I just installed a printer a Canon Pixma 4200 and the ink cartridges have red lights in them...
Aaaaarrrggghhhhh !!! Would those be foggy cartidges ?? :doh:
And surely they should have Ink in them ... :excl:
And surely they should have Ink in them ... :excl:
Germans are CRAP on roundabouts. My office overlooks one.
I sometimes see people turn ONTO it (left) and go backwards. Not understanding what they're supposed to do.
As for indicating
That thing in the German law about not signalling when you come onto the roundabout is such twaddle - it's much better in the UK. If you're coming off at 3 o'clock signal right when you go on. Then people can filter on the left or see what you're doing.
I sometimes see people turn ONTO it (left) and go backwards. Not understanding what they're supposed to do.
As for indicating
That thing in the German law about not signalling when you come onto the roundabout is such twaddle - it's much better in the UK. If you're coming off at 3 o'clock signal right when you go on. Then people can filter on the left or see what you're doing.
Buzz, what Roundabout would you be looking at ??
It wouldnt by chance be the one at DC in Bad Cannstatt would it ??
It wouldnt by chance be the one at DC in Bad Cannstatt would it ??
No no. Other side of Stutters mate.
But at the end of the day, it could be any roundabout. Most Germans, especially over a certain age, driving a silver coloured merc, hat on the back shelf, are clueless.
Take 'em to Swindon and "the magic roundabout!"
But at the end of the day, it could be any roundabout. Most Germans, especially over a certain age, driving a silver coloured merc, hat on the back shelf, are clueless.
Take 'em to Swindon and "the magic roundabout!"
ooohhh, cant wait. Im going there in October myself ... ( Swindon )
The Magic roundabout - here I come !!!
The Magic roundabout - here I come !!!
The roundabout in Königstein has two lanes all the way round but the entrances only have one. This means that nobody ever uses the inner lane even if they're going all the way round. Apart from me, I use it all the time, even if only to cause chaos. On the weekend, someone actually did an emergency stop when I overtook him on the inside lane. Other outside-laners nearly rammed him from behind and I just carried on, indicated right and exited.
QUOTE
I indicate at roundabouts, when joining and leaving - in other words indicating left if I need the third exit, switching to right blink after passing the second exit.
Seems so much more informative ..
Seems so much more informative ..
But happen to forget the indicator when turning right into work
didn't need to .. you knew where I was going, and no other bugger around
Swindon Magic Roundabout .. used to drive that every day. First time I saw it, took the quickest exit I could find (!), then looked at the road sign to study the concept.
Once you realise you just have to point car in the direction of the required exit, close eyes and go, seems to be ok
Swindon Magic Roundabout .. used to drive that every day. First time I saw it, took the quickest exit I could find (!), then looked at the road sign to study the concept.
Once you realise you just have to point car in the direction of the required exit, close eyes and go, seems to be ok
wow thanks everyone we live just out side lörrach, in a small village. i have paid the fine €15 i think? well thats what i paid, because it was not very clear on the little konnto form i had to take to the bank!
we have a bought 2 local cars as driving the uk car, on the wrong side was starting to get award, especcially when going into france my husband descovered. on your own! he had to pay a toll on the motorway, to pay he had to undo his seat belt to lean over. the french toll people went mad at him, so he said i car,t reach. what do you want me to do!!! but you must not undo your belt.
any way i agree why do they bother to put indicators on cars hear? and many times i have had people pull over no indication and just as i get close they pull out again. WHAT are they doing!!!
thanks for all your posts look farward to chating to you all again soon
tracey
we have a bought 2 local cars as driving the uk car, on the wrong side was starting to get award, especcially when going into france my husband descovered. on your own! he had to pay a toll on the motorway, to pay he had to undo his seat belt to lean over. the french toll people went mad at him, so he said i car,t reach. what do you want me to do!!! but you must not undo your belt.
any way i agree why do they bother to put indicators on cars hear? and many times i have had people pull over no indication and just as i get close they pull out again. WHAT are they doing!!!
thanks for all your posts look farward to chating to you all again soon
tracey
wow !!
They featured this roundabout on german tv. Trying to take the mick. I've driven over it a number of times, it's actually quite simple. Don't know what they're worried about.
But it just goes to show the Tscherman zinking. Iv it iz not ze vay ve do zings round hier, it iz wrong! (hope no offence caused)
But it just goes to show the Tscherman zinking. Iv it iz not ze vay ve do zings round hier, it iz wrong! (hope no offence caused)
Never noticed before the slight irony of the hospital A&E signed off the the right!
a fairly recent addition .. in the good old days the hospital would have been behind you. Also the "blocked" exit was open.
Yep, that means only a short journey to the hospital in case of an accident.
I wonder whats at the end of the dead end road ? - A scrappy ??
I wonder whats at the end of the dead end road ? - A scrappy ??
QUOTE
First time I saw it, took the quickest exit I could find (!), then looked at the road sign to study the concept.
Same here, found it by complete accident, and wished I hadn't. It's ok if you know its coming up, but if it catches you by surprise it can be nasty.
QUOTE
I wonder whats at the end of the dead end road ? - A scrappy ??
Swindon Town Football Club
Well hubbi and I saw the best yesterday, after dropping Bbulldog and Veela off after our trip to the Netherlands, we went round two roundabouts following a police car.
You'll never guess what the police driver did, he indicated right on entering the roundabout and then indicated again at his exit!
If the police don't know how it's supposed to be done, then there's no hope for the rest of us!
You'll never guess what the police driver did, he indicated right on entering the roundabout and then indicated again at his exit!
If the police don't know how it's supposed to be done, then there's no hope for the rest of us!
Watch out for these faulty BMW cars:
Thanks Jay, that has brightened up a miserable day for me. A good'un. :-))
update on Swindon traffic chaos (Magic Roundabout) ...
Maaph Jr passed his driving test this morning in the town. Long delays expected and you should seek an alternative route. Roads should be passable mid 2008!!!
Maaph Jr passed his driving test this morning in the town. Long delays expected and you should seek an alternative route. Roads should be passable mid 2008!!!
If travelling as a passenger, avoid Waving to People in an Inappropriate Manner.
When I'd been here a little while people in the village I live in would wave in a friendly manner to me, the new Auslander.
I took (quite innocently) to acknowledging these friendly waves by raising my right hand, palm forward to shoulder height as we drove past with the roof down. I got some funny looks.
It was explained to me that I often looked quite serious when making this gesture, and it reminded some people of a certain small Austrian chap with a moustache... and they may have thought that as a Brit I could have been taking the piss in a Basil Fawlty-ish manner.
Luckily I'm not small and I don't have a 'tache or it would have been an even bigger cultural gaffe on my part!
When I'd been here a little while people in the village I live in would wave in a friendly manner to me, the new Auslander.
I took (quite innocently) to acknowledging these friendly waves by raising my right hand, palm forward to shoulder height as we drove past with the roof down. I got some funny looks.
It was explained to me that I often looked quite serious when making this gesture, and it reminded some people of a certain small Austrian chap with a moustache... and they may have thought that as a Brit I could have been taking the piss in a Basil Fawlty-ish manner.
Luckily I'm not small and I don't have a 'tache or it would have been an even bigger cultural gaffe on my part!
QUOTE
Maaph Jr passed his driving test this morning in the town. Long delays expected and you should seek an alternative route. Roads should be passable mid 2008!!!
Send him our congratulations!
This thread is so funny ... nearly peed myself laughing. The Magic Roundabout is diabolical!
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