Getting Around

Most international car rental companies are represented in Karlsruhe.

You will need:

• a valid drivers license (at least one year)
• a legal form of ID
• a credit card

You must be 21 years of age or older, although some companies won't allow rental for those under 25 or over 80.

If you don't drive a lot and live in the city, car sharing may be a good option. Short-term car rentals by the hour, day or week — depending on your needs — are available. Costs are based on the time booked and distance driven. Insurance and fuel costs are included in the price. You must have a valid drivers license and German residency — there are often initial costs to join the program and a monthly fee. The biggest agency in Karlsruhe is stadtmobil - info in German is available here.

German law requires that all automobiles be equipped with:

• a triangle caution sign;
• bright colored vests for all passengers in case of emergency - these must conform to the European Norm 471 (EN 471); 
• a first aid kit (DIN number 13164). First aid kits are available at the ADAC or German service stations.

If you have a breakdown on the Autobahn, emergency telephones are located every two kilometers. A small black arrow on the white posts will direct you to the nearest phone. If you use your mobile phone, be sure to note the kilometer marking on the side of the road so that you are more easily found.

If you are in an accident, call the police (110) and/or emergency number (112) in case of injuries. You are not allowed to leave the scene of an accident.

Emissions Zones

Back in 2009 Karlsruhe began its Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) policy to reduce the amount of fine particle emissions from cars in the inner city. Other cities have also implemented this policy, so be aware when travelling.  All vehicles (even those with foreign registration) need to show an emission-control sticker (Feinstaubplakette). They come in three colors — red, yellow and green. As of 01.01.2013, only vehicles with green stickers are allowed in the LEZ. The Ministry of Environment for Baden-Württemberg has a summary of what you need to know which you can download here.

You should have a German translation of your car's registration papers. 

EU — If your car is registered in another EU country, you can use it in Germany up to one year. See here for more information. The agency responsible for car taxes is the Customs Agency.

Non-EU living in Karlsruhe — If you want to bring your car from a non-EU country, the vehicle may be subject to import duties and VAT, although in most cases if the vehicle is for private use and has been in your possession for at least six months, you will be exempt.  Please check with the customs office before importing your car.  

To register your vehichle, you will need to bring your vehicle to the place of registration for proof of identification. The types of documents you need to show depend on the age of your vehicle. If it is less than 6 months old, it is considered new. Documents you may need to bring with you — check with the office to determine exactly what you will need:

• form of identification (passport or ID card)
• residence registration papers (Anmeldeformular)
• vehicle license plates and registration papers
• proof that the vehicle is roadworthy if it is older than three years - (HU - Hauptuntersuchung) - General Inspection
• receipt or bill of sale for the vehicle (original)
• proof of insurance (eVB Nummer - elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) - you can obtain this number from your insurance company
• European Certificate of Conformity (COC:  EG Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung) issued by the manufacturer or their agent (original)
• A TÜV/DEKRA certificate of roadworthiness and emissions testing in accordance with § 21 STVZO, if you do not have a COC
• customs clearance certificate if coming from a non-EU country
• direct debit authorization for vehicle taxation (Einzugsermächtigung für Kfz-Steuer) — you cannot have your vehicle registered if you do not provide this information — no exceptions! Taxes will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account once a year, the amount depending on the age and size of your vehicle.

A registration fee must be paid in cash or with an EC card and PIN number.

A yearly vehicle tax is levied - this is taken care of by the Zollamt (Customs Office). All persons who have cars registered in Germany must pay this tax. It will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account once a year. There is no other way to pay this fee — you must fill out the forms to allow automatic withdrawal once a year of the car taxes. The amount will depend on the age and size of your vehicle.

• Winter tires are required in Germany in icy or snowy conditions, i.e., your vehicle must be appropriately equipped for the existing weather conditions.
• This holds true for all vehichles using roads in Germany, including rental cars.
• Winter weather conditions include black ice, snow, ice, slush and hoarfrost. 
• As winter weather is unpredictable it is advisable to have winter tires on from October through Easter.