Formalities around your car
Before driving a car in Germany, you should make sure that the license you hold is considered valid. Futhermore: Motor vehicles in Germany are registered and license plates are assigned at the Vehicles Licensing Authority at the Citizens Service Center.
Driving rules
The international traffic signs used in Germany are the same as in most of Europe. As a responsible driver, you must be familiar with these signs and with the German highway code. Here we will highlight some important rules in city traffic:
- The speed limit in towns and villages is 50 kph unless otherwise signed, 30 kph in certain zones e.g. around kindergardens and schools.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and children must have appropriate car seats.
- Right of way must be yielded to all vehicles and bicycles coming from the right at all intersections unless otherwise marked.
- Pedestrians crossing at the black and white zebra crossing have the absolute right of way.
- When you overtake a cyclist, you must keep a distance of 1.5 meters.
- Buses pulling out from bus stops have the right of way.
- Drinking and driving: the legal limit for blood alcohol content is 0.5 %, for beginners 0.0 %.
You will find more basic traffic rules and road signs in English here (opens in a new tab).
Current traffic situation
The map shows you the current traffic situation in Bonn at a glance. You can also view construction sites, charging stations for electric cars, (severely disabled) parking spaces, parking garages or park & ride options.
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Restrictions in the "Umweltzone" (low emission zone)
With a few exceptions, only vehicles with an environmental badge are allowed to drive in the "Umweltzone" (low emission zone) in Bonn. Driving in the low emission zone without a valid sticker or special permit is punishable by a fine of 80 euros (plus fees and expenses of 28.50 euros).
The map shows you the low emission zone and park & ride facilities outside the "Umweltzone" from which you can continue your journey by public transport.
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Which vehicles need the green sticker for entering the "Umweltzone"?
The German "Umweltzonen" (low emission zones) apply to every vehicle that is to be driven in them – and thus also to passenger cars registered abroad.
Important: It is not enough to meet the requirements for a green sticker – you must have it and display it prominently on your windshield.
Electric mobility in Bonn – the future is electric
The car is the central adjusting screw for a climate-neutral Bonn transport system, since cars account for a significant proportion of transport-related CO2 emissions in Bonn.
The most important levers to protect the climate are fewer car trips and a shift to environmentally friendly modes of transport such as public transport or bicycles.
The city of Bonn is promoting electromobility by successively expanding the charging infrastructure for electric cars. Information on e-charging stations in the city area and home charging stations for your e-car can be found here: Stadtwerke Bonn (SWB) (opens in a new tab).
Speed measurement
In order to increase road safety, speed is controlled at various dangerous points in the city. The list of planned mobile speed measurements is published weekly.
The police controls speed only at dangerous spots. These are, on the one hand, accident blackspots defined by the accident commission. On the other hand, this applies to stretches of road where an increased risk of accidents must be assumed. These include stretches of road and places that are increasingly used by pedestrians, cyclists and particularly vulnerable persons such as children, the needy and the elderly.
Please drive considerately, carefully and appropriately in urban traffic in Bonn.