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Driving and parking in Berlin

Even if Berlin may get crowded on occasions, driving is actually quite pleasant. Germans observe traffic rules and drive in a predictable manner, so you will have no problem to integrate in the traffic. Berlin has a low accident rate and most accidents are minor. The best way to enjoy driving in Berlin is to also observe all the rules. This is important because the city is full of traffic cameras and police also organize traps.

Parking is not impossible to find, even in the city center. There is both free and paid parking in the city. It is generally free to park on the street, especially in the residential areas. Where parking is not free, you will find meters where you can buy tickets from. Make sure you have enough coins. You will sometimes be allowed to park partially or entirely on the sidewalk. Look for signs or other parked cars to see if this applies in your area. Parking in the city center might be expensive, you will pay as much as €1 - €3 per hour. It will be hard to find public parking in busy areas, so you will have to rely on private parking.

Parking zones are usually marked by the regular "P" letter on a blue sign. These signs are usually accompanied by other information, that specifies in what conditions you can park. For example, there might be a maximum time limit. In this case, a picture of a parking disc is also displayed. You need to buy this inexpensive parking disc from a gas station or other store and display it in your car so it is visible. Mark on the parking disc the time you leave your care and make sure you will not exceed the limit. Incorrect parking will usually bring you a fine. Your car may also be towed if it disturbs traffic.

Bear in mind that you must yield to traffic coming from the right if the intersection is not marked. Trams also have right of way.

The center of Berlin is a restricted area, where only vehicles that don't pollute over a certain limit are allowed to enter. This area is called Umweltzone in German. In order to establish pollution class, drivers must display a sticker of a certain color on their windshield. Stickers can be red, yellow or green. Only cars with green stickers are allowed to enter the restricted zone. More information on the Umweltzone regulations can be found here.

Gas stations can be found rather easy in Berlin, especially in residential areas. These businesses are open 24/7, including Sundays, so it may be convenient to buy food or other things from their shops if you forget to do so during regular shopping hours.

Here is more information on driving in Germany.


 

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