Driving in Schwerdt
Schwerdt has a very well developed road network, especially in the populous areas. The Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure administers the Autobahnen and Republican highways, both well-marked roadways meeting the highest standards of safety and design. Regional highways also provide a safe way to get from here to there. As a result, hiring a car can be one of the most rewarding means of touring the countryside.
Driver Permits
Schwerdt does not presently have reciprocol driving permit agreements with any other countries. As a result, non-citizens must have a valid international driving permit in order to hire a car. The minimum driving age in Schwerdt is 15.
All drivers must purchase adequate insurance against damages and liability. Insurance is usually included in the cost of hiring a car.
Driving Regulations
Traffic regulations in Schwerdt are much the same as those in most other developed nations. Copies or summaries of the regulations are available from the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure as well as most car hiring firms and Reisebüro.
Drivers must not exceed posted maximum speed limits and must follow traffic control regulations and signs. Examples include restricted entry or prohibited turns. Drivers must also comply with traffic control signal lights. Outside of metropolitan areas, there is no speed limit on the Autobahnen. In general, maximum speeds on rural highways and Autobahnen in metropolitan areas is 125 km/h (77 mph). Highways through built-up areas and most roadway work zones typically have a maximum speed of 90 km/h (55 mph). The maximum speed on non-highways in rural areas is 90 km/h (55 mph) and 65 km/h (40 mph) in built-up areas. In any event, the driver must maintain control of the vehicle at all times. As a result, the driver may need to drive slower than the posted maximum speed due to traffic density, weather, or other roadway conditions.
On multi-lane roadways, slower vehicles must stay to the right. All vehicle occupants must make use of provided occupant restraints (the so-called seat or safety belts). Emergency vehicles, such as police, fire, and medical vehicles, with operating beacons and/or sirens have right-of-way to which all other drivers must yield.
Traffic regulatory signage in Schwerdt makes extensive use of symbols. As a result, the signage, which is consistent with common international schemes, is easily understood without the need to know a particular language.
