AE Pamphlet 190-34
USAFE Pamphlet 31-206
Military Police
Drivers Handbook
and Examination
Manual for
Germany
Headquarters
United States Army Europe
United States Army Installation Management Command
Europe Region
Heidelberg, Germany
Headquarters
United States Air Forces in Europe
Ramstein, Germany
16 November 2010 PROPERTY OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
Personnel who borrow this pamphlet from a drivers testing station will not be tested or
issued a license until they return it.
Headquarters
United States Army Europe
United States Army Installation Management Command
Europe Region
Heidelberg, Germany
Headquarters
United States Air Forces in Europe
Ramstein, Germany Army in EuropePamphlet 190-34* USAFEPamphlet 31-206*
16 November 2010
Military Police
Drivers Handbook and Examination Manual for Germany
*This pamphlet supersedes AE Pamphlet 190-34/USAFE Pamphlet 31-206, 27 February 2009.
For the Commander:
JOHN C. BUSS ROGER A. BRADY
Colonel, GS General, USAF
Chief of Staff Commander
Official:
DWAYNE J. VIERGUTZ NEIL E. RADER
Chief, Army in Europe Colonel, USAF
Document Management Chief, Security Forces
Summary. This pamphlet is a digest of military regulations, European laws, and practices pertaining to the registration and operation of motor vehicles in Germany. This pamphlet implements Air Force Policy Directive 31-1.
Summary of Change. This pamphlet has been revised to
● Update references and incorporate administrative changes.
● Update and rewrite information in paragraphs 18 through 24 and 30.
● Add new descriptions for certain traffic signs (app B).
This pamphlet is available at https://aepubs.army.mil/
.
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AE Pam 190-34/USAFE Pam 31-206 ● 16 Nov 10
Applicability. This pamphlet applies to
● Members of the U.S. Forces and the civilian component (including Family members of both) assigned or employed in Germany. Members of the U.S. Forces and the civilian component in Germany on official temporary duty may apply for and be granted certificates of license to operate U.S.-Forces-registered privately owned vehicles (POVs). These applicants must comply with all applicable requirements of this pamphlet.
● Nonappropriated-fund agencies and other organizations and their employees authorized to register non-U.S. Government motor vehicles with the U.S. Forces.
● USAFE personnel in Germany only for policy and procedures governing licensing of POV drivers in Germany and registering POVs with the USAREUR Registry of Motor Vehicles. USAFE personnel will refer to Air Force Instruction 31-204 for all other aspects of motor vehicle traffic supervision (for example, suspension, revocation, point assessment).
● Non-U.S. personnel assigned to international military headquarters in Germany who are authorized U.S. Forces certificates of license and POV registration privileges, as determined by the USAREUR Provost Marshal.
NOTE: This pamphlet does not apply to personnel employed by, assigned to, or attached to military missions, military assistance advisory groups, or U.S. diplomatic consular offices (an exception may be granted when requested under AE Reg 600-700).
Forms. AE and higher level forms are available through the Army in Europe Library and Publishing System (AEPUBS) at https://aepubs.army.mil.
Suggested Improvements. The proponent of this pamphlet is the USAREUR G3 (AEAGC-PDP-V, DSN 386-7271). Users may suggest improvements to this pamphlet by sending DA Form 2028 to the USAREUR G3 (AEAGC-PDP-V), Unit 29230, APO AE 09008-9230.
Distribution. Army units: B (AEPUBS); Air Force units: F (AFI 33-360V1).
CONTENTS
Page SECTION I
GENERAL
1. Purpose ...............................................................................................................................................5
2. References ..........................................................................................................................................5
3. Explanation of Abbreviations ............................................................................................................5
4. Authority ............................................................................................................................................5
5. Driving Is a Privilege, Not a Right .....................................................................................................6
6. Obtaining a U.S. Forces Certificate of License ..................................................................................6
7. Classification of Vehicles and Licenses .............................................................................................7
8. Procedures for Obtaining a U.S. Forces Certificate of License .........................................................7
9. Responsibilities of U.S. Forces Personnel .........................................................................................8
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Page
10. Doctrine of Confidence ....................................................................................................................8
11. Legal Terms .....................................................................................................................................8
12. Vehicle Security ...............................................................................................................................9
13. Actions to Take After an Accident ...................................................................................................9
14. Police Jurisdiction ..........................................................................................................................11
15. Criminal Provisions ........................................................................................................................11
16. Ineligibility for Certificate of License and Suspension or Revocation of Driving Privileges .......11
17. Traffic Point System ......................................................................................................................16
SECTION II
STUDY GUIDE FOR POV LICENSE TEST
18. General Driving Guidance .............................................................................................................16
19. Right-of-Way .................................................................................................................................20
20. Using Traffic Lanes ........................................................................................................................22
21. Driving on the Autobahn ................................................................................................................25
22. Railroad Crossings .........................................................................................................................26
23. Stopping and Parking .....................................................................................................................27
24. Use of Horns and Other Warning Devices .....................................................................................28
25. Seatbelts .........................................................................................................................................29
26. Drugs and Alcohol .........................................................................................................................30
27. Emergency Equipment ...................................................................................................................31
28. Good Samaritan Law ......................................................................................................................31
29. Tires ................................................................................................................................................31
30. Additional Rules of the Road .........................................................................................................32
SECTION III
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
31. Special Considerations for Driving in Europe ...............................................................................36
32. Vehicle Equipment Requirements and Mechanical Standards ......................................................38
33. POV Registration ...........................................................................................................................38
34. Basic Safety Measures for Operating U.S. Government Vehicles .................................................43
35. Trip-Planning Techniques ..............................................................................................................47
36. Bicycle Requirements ....................................................................................................................50
SECTION IV
STUDY GUIDE FOR THE ARMY IN EUROPE MOTORCYCLE TEST
37. General ...........................................................................................................................................51
38. Motorcycle Brakes .........................................................................................................................51
39. Driving Techniques ........................................................................................................................52
40. Clothing Requirements ...................................................................................................................55
41. Security ..........................................................................................................................................55
42. Motorcycle Drivers License Classes Used by the U.S. Forces in Germany ..................................55
43. Reminder ........................................................................................................................................55
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Page Figures
1. German Police Signals (Stop) ................................................................................................................34
2. German Police Signals (Stop) ................................................................................................................34
3. German Police Signals (Attention) ........................................................................................................34
4. German Police Signals (Go) ..................................................................................................................34
5. German Police Signals (Go) ..................................................................................................................35
Appendixes
A. References .............................................................................................................................................56
B. International Road Signs .......................................................................................................................58
C. Sample Test Questions and Answers ....................................................................................................73
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................................97
SECTION I
GENERAL
1. PURPOSE
a. Certain U.S. Forces procedures for licensing and registration are more stringent than those required by German law. This pamphlet will help applicants prepare for the written and road-sign tests that they must pass before receiving a U.S. Forces certificate of license (AE Form 190-1F). This pamphlet also will help commanders conduct orientations and refresher and remedial driver-training courses.
b. As regulations change, it may not always be possible to keep this pamphlet current. Drivers must remember that regulations overrule this pamphlet for purposes of adverse administrative action affecting certificates of license.
c. According to AR 190-5/AFI 31-218, the policy and procedures in AE Regulation 190-1/USAFE Instruction 31-202 are controlling in cases of conflict.
2. REFERENCES
Appendix A lists references.
3. EXPLANATIONS OF ABBREVIATIONS
The glossary defines abbreviations and terms.
4. AUTHORITY
a. Under the provisions of the German Supplementary Agreement to the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the U.S. Forces in Germany may issue a certificate of license (AE Form 190-1F) for privately owned vehicles (POVs) to U.S. military personnel, civilian component members (referred to in this pamphlet as civilian employees), and their Family members in Germany.
(1) All applicants for a U.S. Forces certificate of license must have a valid drivers license issued by a country (for example, Germany) or a state or territory of the United States before they can drive in Germany. Throughout this regulation, this will be referred to as “a valid country or State license.”
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(2) U.S. Forces authorities will ensure that applicants for a certificate of license have adequate knowledge of German traffic regulations. Applicants should be familiar with applicable references in appendix A.
(3) If reasonable doubt exists about a person’s responsibility or fitness to operate a motor vehicle, U.S. Forces authorities may suspend or revoke the person’s certificate of license.
b. The U.S. Forces in Germany also may register and license POVs belonging to U.S. military personnel, civilian employees, and their Family members. U.S. Forces authorities will cancel the registration of a POV if the
(1) Registrant’s certificate of license is revoked, unless there is a Family member with a valid U.S. Forces certificate of license and the POV can be put into the Family member’s name.
(2) Vehicle does not meet mechanical standards. (3) Vehicle is no longer covered by the required liability insurance.
5. DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT
a. The authorization to drive a POV in Germany is a privilege, not a right. This privilege may be withdrawn if a driver fails to show responsibility or care for his or her own safety or for the safety of others while operating a POV.
b. Driving privileges may be withdrawn based on a POV driver’s acceptance of nonjudicial punishment by a military or civilian court, traffic-point assessment, other administrative action, or misconduct. These withdrawals may range from temporary suspensions to indefinite revocations.
c. Driving privileges may be withdrawn for offenses committed while driving either a POV or a Government vehicle.
6. OBTAINING A U.S. FORCES CERTIFICATE OF LICENSE
a. U.S. military personnel, civilian employees, and Family members must have a U.S. Forces certificate of license issued under AE Regulation 190-1/USAFE Instruction 31-202 to operate a U.S. Forces-registered POV.
b. Army personnel may be issued an OF 346 for a class 3 license (up to a 15-passenger van) only after they have a valid country or State license, completed the driver orientation, and passed the test for the U.S. Forces certificate of license.
c. A U.S. Forces certificate of license (AE Form 190-1F) is valid for 5 years for the vehicle class identified unless the license is suspended or revoked.
d. To be valid, licenses must be signed in black or blue ink and carried with a valid identification card and a valid country or State license.
e. If a U.S. Forces certificate of license is suspended or revoked, the licensee will not operate any vehicle in Germany (including German-plated vehicles and rental vehicles) until his or her U.S. Forces driving privileges are restored.
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7. CLASSIFICATION OF VEHICLES AND LICENSES
a. As defined in AE Regulation 190-1/USAFE Instruction 31-202, appendix I, vehicles and certificates of license are classified as follows:
(1) Class 1. Motorcycle, with or without sidecar. Engine capacity exceeding 250 cubic centi-meters (cc).
(2) Class 1a. Motorcycle. Engine capacity between 80 cc and 250 cc, and not more than 20 kilowatts.
(3) Class 1b. Motorcycle. Engine capacity less than 80 cc. Capable of speeds from 51 kilometers per hour (kph) up to 79 kph (32 to 50 miles per hour (mph)).
(4) Class 2. Vehicles with more than 15 seats (excluding the driver’s seat). Included are trucks and POVs with trailers weighing more than 7.5 tons or having more than three axles. (Under German law, trailer axles not more than 1 meter apart are considered one axle).
(5) Class 3. All other vehicles except for those included in classes 1, 1a, 1b, 2, 4, and 5.
(6) Class 4. Motorcycle. Engine capacity less than 50 cc. Capable of speeds of not more than 50 kph (32 mph).
(7) Class 5. Motorcycle. Engine capacity less than 50 cc. Capable of speeds of not more than 25 kph (16 mph).
b. Applicants must be
(1) 15 years old for a class 5 license.
(2) 16 years old for a class 1b or 4 license.
(3) 17 years old for a class 3 license.
(4) 18 years old for a class 1 or 1a license.
(5) 21 years old for a class 2 license.
c. Individuals who want to add a new class to their certificate of license while stationed in Germany must either return to the United States and have the new class added to their State drivers license or obtain a German drivers license. The U.S. Forces in Germany cannot issue a new class to a U.S. Forces certificate of license. Information may be transferred only from a valid country or State license to a U.S. Forces certificate of license.
8. PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING A U.S. FORCES CERTIFICATE OF LICENSE
AE Regulation 190-1, paragraph 2-2, provides procedures for obtaining a U.S. Forces certificate of license.
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9. RESPONSIBILITIES OF U.S. FORCES PERSONNEL
a. U.S. Forces personnel driving POVs or Government vehicles in Germany must obey
(1) German traffic laws and regulations.
(2) German police officer signals and directions. Failure to obey police signals and directions may result in arrest and prosecution in German courts.
(3) Traffic regulations governing the operation of motor vehicles on U.S. military installations, in Family housing areas, and on other U.S.-Forces-controlled property as published by commanders and official, regulatory traffic signs or devices. Appendix A lists applicable Army and Air Force publications.
(4) U.S. Army military police (MP) and U.S. Air Force security forces (SF) traffic signals and directions.
b. Failure to obey traffic laws and regulations as well as traffic signals and directions may result in
(1) Suspension or revocation of the offender’s certificate of license, withdrawal of vehicle registration privileges, or both.
(2) Citation by the MP, SF, or German police, with possible fines levied by German officials.
10. DOCTRINE OF CONFIDENCE
German courts have adopted the doctrine that drivers of motor vehicles can rely on one another to obey the law. Drivers must be alert and prepared to recognize typical errors committed frequently by other drivers and be ready to compensate for those errors. The doctrine of confidence does not apply to pedestrians who are frail (old or disabled) or to children up to 11 years old. Drivers must pay special attention to these people and try to anticipate their behavior.
11. LEGAL TERMS
German traffic laws require users of public roads to conduct themselves so that no person is endangered, injured, impeded, or unreasonably inconvenienced when the inconvenience could have been avoided under the given circumstances. Drivers are responsible for considering and anticipating the movements of pedestrians, particularly children, the elderly, and those who are physically impaired.
a. “Users of public roads” refers to drivers of motor vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, horseback riders, drivers of animal carts, and owners of domestic animals who allow their animals to stray onto public roads.
b. “Unavoidable circumstances” are those over which drivers have no immediate control (for example, unavoidable noise or exhaust fumes produced by heavy traffic).
c. “Avoidable circumstances” are those over which the driver has immediate control (for example, squealing tires in residential areas, racing the motor, honking the horn, playing loud music).
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d. “Endangering” means to place other users of the road in danger by
(1) Failing to obey traffic signs.
(2) Failing to yield the right-of-way.
(3) Failing to warn approaching traffic that a vehicle is disabled or parked on the highway.
(4) Failing to dim high-beam headlights for oncoming traffic.
(5) Traveling too fast for road conditions.
(6) Passing on hills or curves.
(7) Driving a mechanically unsafe vehicle (for example, a vehicle with faulty brakes, bald tires, poor steering, weak lights, protruding bumpers).
(8) Driving when fatigued, ill, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
e. “Injure” is to cause physical harm to other users of the road or damage property. Splashing mud or water on pedestrians is in this category.
f. “Impede” means to fail to adjust driving speed to the flow of traffic or blocking other traffic when parked.
g. “Inconvenience” is to make more noise than necessary (for example, honking the horn, playing loud music, driving with a faulty exhaust system, racing the engine, letting the engine idle for more than 30 seconds).
12. VEHICLE SECURITY
a. The driver must ensure parked vehicles have closed windows and doors, and that the doors, ignition, and steering wheel (if equipped with a lock) are locked.
b. Failure to secure a POV according to subparagraph a above is illegal. Insurance companies may not honor a claim if the vehicle was unlocked when it was stolen.
c. If personal property is stored in the vehicle, the items should be locked in the trunk.
13. ACTIONS TO TAKE AFTER AN ACCIDENT
a. Before Driving. Drivers should obtain and complete AE Form 190-1Y and keep it in their POVs.
b. Immediate Action.
(1) Drivers who are involved in an accident must do the following:
(a) Stay at the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) is a serious criminal offense under both German law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
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(b) Turn on emergency flashers and set up a warning triangle. Place the triangle 100 meters behind the POV; on autobahns, place the triangle 200 meters behind the POV.
(c) Provide first aid to the injured, but do not move any seriously injured persons. Have someone call for medical help.
(d) Notify the MP or SF of accidents on an installation and both the German police and MP or SF of accidents off an installation.
(e) If no one is injured and damage is minor, move the POV. Do not block traffic after a minor accident.
(f) Exchange information with involved parties (name, address, license number, insurance company and policy number).
(g) Note the time and place of the accident and names and addresses of any witnesses.
(2) Drivers who have a single-car accident and damage property must do the following:
(a) Stay at the scene for a reasonable time in an attempt to contact the property owner.
(b) If the owner cannot be located, leave a note indicating the driver’s name, address, telephone number, and insurance company.
(c) Report the accident immediately to the local MP or SF if on or off a U.S. installation. Drivers who do not make a report could be charged with hit and run. German police need to be called only if there is more than