A touring caravan gives you the freedom of the open road – and if that road starts the moment you drive off a cross-Channel ferry or the Eurotunnel, the open road winds all over Europe.
Recent years have seen the widespread standardisation of rules of the road throughout much of the Continent. Even with the UK’s withdrawal from the EU – Brexit – that remains largely true but local and regional variations may still apply, depending on the country through which you are driving. So, don’t be one of those to be caught off-guard by the differences.
Since it is a great destination for British caravanners – not least because of the accessibility of its free-to-use motorway network and the high standards of its campsites – let’s look at some of the things you need to know about taking your touring caravan to Germany.
Documentation and equipment
In practice, you will find that very little has changed. The AA has published a checklist of documents and equipment you need to carry with you when towing a caravan in Europe. A quick review highlights that:
- you must hold a valid UK driving licence and be at least 18 years of age. If you hold a UK photocard driving licence, an International Driving Permit is not normally required when visiting Germany;
- you do not need to carry a green card when driving in Germany, although you must still have valid vehicle insurance. Check with your insurer that you have the appropriate cover for your vehicle and caravan while travelling in Europe;
- although separate touring caravan insurance is not a legal requirement, you’ll need appropriate cover if you want to protect your caravan against risks such as accidental damage, fire and theft. Check with your caravan insurance provider that your cover remains valid while travelling in Europe;
- take the original V5C registration document for your towing vehicle. If the vehicle is hired or leased, make sure you have the appropriate documentation confirming that you’re permitted to take it abroad;
- caravans and other trailers weighing more than 750kg must currently be registered before being towed to or through Germany. You can check the trailer registration requirements here;
- make sure your towing vehicle displays the UK identifier where required. GB stickers are no longer valid. If your number plate already displays the UK identifier together with the Union flag, you do not normally need a separate UK sticker when driving in Germany; and
- check whether the headlights on your towing vehicle need adjusting or headlamp converters for driving on the right.
Driving through France to get to your destination?
Unlike many other European countries, German rules recommend but, do not make compulsory, that you carry onboard an accident or emergency warning triangle, reflective jacket, first aid kit or fire extinguisher – or, for that matter, the breathalyser that is required in France.
But, if you are driving through France and Belgium (for example, from the Eurotunnel) then you must make sure you have the correct equipment and documentation.
Tolls and low-emission zones in Germany
If you have had to fiddle with change to pay the tolls on many motorways in France, Italy or Austria, it will come as a welcome surprise that Germany’s autobahns are generally toll-free for cars and caravans.
Beware that you may face on-the-spot fines for some motoring offences, however, and do not be tempted to use radar detection devices – they are illegal in Germany.
Germany also has low-emission zones (Umweltzonen) in a number of towns and cities. If you are planning to drive into one of these areas, your towing vehicle may need to meet the required emissions standard and display an environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) on the windscreen. The rules also apply to foreign-registered vehicles.
Low-emission zones are signposted, but it is worth checking your route before travelling, particularly if your campsite or sightseeing plans take you into or through a city. Driving into an environmental zone without the appropriate sticker can result in a fine.
You can find further information about environmental zones and other driving requirements in the GOV.UK travel advice for Germany.
Summary
We hope this brief blog is useful. If you are going to Germany, please do check the official websites for the latest documentation, towing and driving requirements as these may change.
For further information and destination ideas, please read our Guide to caravanning in Germany.