Page 22 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Germany

20 BACK ROADS GERMANY

Motorcycles serious injury or death to the child
The drives presented in this guide in a crash. Children under the age
are also ideal for a motorcycle trip. of 12 have to be seated in a special
The well-maintained roads that child car seat. In this case, it does
crisscross Germany’s countryside not matter if the child is seated on
allow one to enjoy a feeling of the back seat or on the front seat.
freedom while discovering beautiful However, there is an exception
vistas. To rent a bike, get in touch to this rule for children who are
with one of the major rental services shorter than 150 cm (93 inches).
well in advance, as rental stations Children below this height have Above Motorcycles parked outside a café,
do not always have them available. to sit in the back seat. Hollandische Viertel, Postdam, Brandenburg
AdMo Tours is a national motorbike Remember to request any
rental chain where motorcycles and necessary child seats in advance Germany. You can call the ADAC
dirt bikes can be booked for short when making your car hire booking. service number (see p17) to find
periods. Several brands are available out how to arrange the booking.
for hire, including BMW, Harley, Disabled Drivers To rent a vehicle, it is necessary
Suzuki and many more. There are a number of parking to present a passport and a driving
It is mandatory for motorcyclists concessions for disabled drivers licence. Drivers must be over 18;
and passengers to wear protective in Germany. Visitors from non-EU however, check before you make
helmets at all times. Drivers must countries who wish to apply for your reservation regarding “age
have a valid driving licence to cover temporary parking permits should restrictions”. It’s recommended that
a motorcycle or moped, and an get in touch with the local council you book in advance, especially
insurance policy. or the district authority. Germany’s during peak season – you will often
The rules of the road are the same Federal Ministry of Transport, get a better rate. Rental rates
for motorcyclists as for other drivers, Building and Urban Affairs can advise usually include unlimited mileage,
although you should take additional travellers on this matter. Applicants but do double-check. Consider
safety precautions. Go slow when have to provide a disability ID and renting a smaller car than you may
filtering or driving between traffic a passport-sized photograph. Medical be used to at home, as they are
lanes. Give other vehicles a wide documentation regarding their much easier to handle on narrow
berth when overtaking them, and disabled status might also be required. country roads than big SUVs. If
be aware that they might not always Parking for disabled drivers can be you need a child seat, it should be
see you. Motorcycles must have rear found in all public areas, indicated booked in advance as well.
number plate lighting. with a sign displaying a wheelchair. Third-party insurance is
compulsory and is included in the
Driving with Children Car and Camper Van Hire rate. Some rental agreements also
Drivers must ensure that all passengers Most of the big international car include Collision Damage Waiver
under the age of 12 wear seat belts hire companies, such as Budget, (CDW), which limits your liability for
or sit in an approved child restraint. Avis, Sixt and Hertz, have offices at damages to the rental car, theft loss
Make sure that their seat belts are airports, railway stations and more cover and personal injury insurance;
always fastened. This is not only expensive hotels, and offer a wide others charge additional fees for
obligatory by law, but also important range of vehicles. The ADAC, these items. Be sure to read your
for their safety. Babies must never Germany’s and Europe’s largest agreement carefully so that you fully
be placed in a rear-facing child seat automobile club, offers rental understand what your coverage and
in the passenger seat if there is an services for tourists who do not liabilities are. Some drivers may be
active airbag fitted, as it can cause want to bring their own vehicle to able to use insurance from a personal

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