Tag: Euros

Drivers warned of German road laws ahead of the Euros

Football fans planning a trip to Germany for the Euros have been warned about major driving laws and regulations. 

Travel insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have researched the eight crucial driving differences in Germany, so Brits avoid being caught out on the road trip of a lifetime.

Over 2.7 million tickets will be available to the fans of participating teams and the general public, and it is estimated 800,000 British fans could head across the channel for the competition. 

Fans planning to hire a vehicle to make the most of their trip have been warned to research the local driving laws and motoring etiquette.  

Motorists risk penalties such as large fines, penalty points and even driving bans for breaking the law while in Germany. 

Drivers need to be aware of the higher driving age, they must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to drive there legally. 

Greg Wilson, CEO and motoring insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Excitement is building amongst football fans, with an estimated 800,000 Brits planning to travel overseas to watch the tournament. 

“There will be venues over ten of the main regions of Germany, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg.  Many fans will likely want to travel across the country to experience the tournament in the different cities and will be looking to hire a car to make the most of the trip. 

“The tournament will be an incredible experience for football fans worldwide, but anyone choosing to drive while in Germany must be aware of the wide range of driving differences. 

“Roads across Germany have varying speed limits and a high volume of speed cameras, so it’s crucial to stick to the speed limit and approach unfamiliar aspects with caution because travelling just 1km over the limit could result in a fine. 

“Other important motoring rules to understand with the Euros commencing include the strict drink-drive limit which bans anyone under 21 driving with any alcohol in their system.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s six laws you must know before driving in Germany:

1.Driving on the correct side of the road

 In Germany, drivers must remain on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left, a tricky change for Brits, especially if they’ve driven over in their own right-hand drive vehicle.  

2.Road signs 

German maximum speed limit signs are identical to those in the UK, the only difference being the limits are given in kilometres per hour rather than miles per hour. In extreme cases, ignoring road signs can lead to imprisonment. German roads also have a minimum speed limit – marked by blue round signs with the minimum speed displayed in white font.

 3.Legal driving age 

The legal driving age in Germany is slightly older than the UK at 18. Drivers need to check their itinerary beforehand as many countries have a different minimum driving age.  In Germany, visitors must also be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive.  It’s also sensible to check the age and requirements of hiring a car per country as there are variations in the restrictions.

4.Honking your horn 

In Germany, drivers can only honk their horns if they or someone else is in immediate danger. Unnecessary or incorrect use of a horn can result in a fine, so visitors must avoid beeping their horns to celebrate football wins. 

5.Be aware of speed limits

The German traffic code has strict regulations and high fines for drivers who exceed the speed limit, and they have plenty of speed cameras to monitor the roads. As a general rule of thumb, Germany has a speed limit of 50 km/h within built-up areas and 100 km/h outside built-up areas which is 31 and 62 mph respectively.

6.Drinking limits

Like most countries drunk driving is a traffic violation and will be seen as a criminal offence. However in Germany, the general limit for motorists is 0.5 % but drivers under 21 or with a new licence are not allowed any alcohol. Fines go from €500 to €1500.**

Quotezone.co.uk helps travellers find savings using travel insurance comparison, covering all sorts of travel insurance quotes such as European travel and backpacker travel insurance

Scottish Government representation at Euro 2024

First Minister to attend opening match between Scotland and Germany

First Minister John Swinney will join fans in Germany and at home cheering on the Scotland Men’s National Football Team in their first match of the tournament.

Scottish Ministers will attend Scotland’s three group stage matches of the UEFA European Football Championship.

The First Minister will attend the opening game with hosts Germany in Munich on Friday and attend the official opening ceremony of the UEFA Fan Zone in the Olympic Park stadium in Munich alongside the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Mayor of Munich.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Football has a marvellous way of bringing people together, of all ages, of all nationalities, both women and men and it is a privilege to be heading to Munich to join them in supporting our national team and experiencing the warm hospitality of our German hosts.

“The tournament has an even more profound meaning for Scots this year as not only has our national team made it to the finals, but this year also marks the 70th anniversary of the twinning of the cities of Edinburgh and Munich.

“Celebrating the diversity within our democracies through sport strengthens our societies and improves our resilience as nations.

“I am honoured to be able to attend the opening game between Scotland and Germany and I wish our national team, led by Steve Clarke, the best of luck but most importantly I hope all of our travelling fans have a thoroughly good time.”

Sport Minister Maree Todd and Culture Secretary Angus Robertson will also attend Scotland matches with Switzerland and Hungary respectively.

They will each undertake a series of engagements in Cologne and Stuttgart focussing on culture and sport, sports diplomacy and Scottish-German relations as well as discussing opportunities for Scotland and Germany to collaborate more closely on energy research. 

Scotland Football Team at European Championships | Scottish FA

UEFA EURO 2024 | UEFA.co

Tartan Army urged: Don’t head for Wembley unless you have a ticket

FOUNTAIN NO MORE!

A statement from the Scottish Football Association:

Now that the window for Scotland Supporters Club members to purchase UEFA EURO 2020 tickets has closed, all supporters are asked not to travel to London for our EURO 2020 Group D match against England on Friday, 18 June unless they have a ticket for the match.

Trafalgar Square, the traditional gathering point for Scotland supporters, is being used as a socially-distanced, ticketed Fan Zone for key workers, while pubs and bars in London are expected to limit the number of football fans allowed in due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

With Covid restrictions still in place prohibiting large gatherings, Scotland supporters are asked to help limit the spread of the virus by remaining in Scotland. Please stay safe and enjoy the match locally.