
Driving in Germany
Click on the above logo to go to the BFG Vehicle Licensing web page, where you can find all the information you need regarding registering your vehicle upon arrival in BFG as well as driving in Germany.
Registration Procedure in BFG
There is a very helpful document produced by the BFG Vehicle Licensing Office, which you can see by clicking here, that outlines the vehicle registration procedure in BFG.
Contact
The BFG Licensing Office and Test Centre is on Normandy Bks, Sennelager.
Licensing Office
Tel: 05254 982 2638
Fax: 05254 982 4290
Test Centre
Tel: 05254 982 2346
Opening Hours
Licensing Office
Monday to Thursday:
09:30 - 12:00
12:30 - 15:00
Friday:
09:30 - 12:00
Test Centre
Monday to Thursday:
07:45 - 09:55
10:15 - 12:15
13:00 - 16:15
Friday:
07:45 - 09:55
10:15 - 11:30
The Master Drivers Guide to Driving in Germany
Click here to view The Master Drivers Guide to Driving in Germany. This a very useful document, and outlines all the rules for driving in Germany as well as information on renting a car in Germany, general information on the highway network, a special section on the Autobahn and a comprehensive collection of traffic signs and signals.
Introduction of a New BFG Coupon - Super E10
In an attempt to reduce Germany’s carbon footprint, an additional grade of Super fuel has been introduced into the German market.
The new fuel termed ‘Super E10’ has an ethanol content of 10%. Motorists wishing to use the fuel are strongly advised to consult with their vehicle manufacturer/dealer or relevant website to find out whether or not their engines have been designed to operate safely on the higher ethanol content fuel. Another source of information is the ADAC website.
‘Super E10’ is gradually being introduced throughout Germany, as and when individual service stations have the capability to accept and dispense the fuel. To avoid any liability claims, service stations have been directed not to offer advice on which vehicles can safely use ‘Super E10’.
In addition to retaining the current ‘Super 95’ coupon and the ‘Super Plus’ coupon (both with an ethanol content of 5%), the new series of BFG coupons will be available from 1 Mar 2011.
Motorists wishing to use the new fuel coupons at ARAL, ESSO and Shell service stations are advised to also purchase a small quantity of ‘Super 95’ coupons to maintain flexibility in the interim period, in case the new fuel is unavailable at the service station being used. There is no technical problem in mixing the two levels of ethanol with one another, as long as the vehicle is designed to use ‘Super E10’. Again, you are strongly advised to consult with the vehicle manufacturer or dealer.
BFG Motorists should also be aware that the current BFG Super Coupon cannot be used for this new fuel and must continue to draw the current grade of Super 95 Octane. Any motorist who inadvertently draws the new grade will be required to pay the full pump price.
Pricing details for ‘Super E10’ are unavailable at present but it can be assumed that it will be beneficial for BFG motorists to convert to this new grade.
Due to the differing terms used by ARAL, ESSO and SHELL for their various fuel grades, a table has been produced detailing which coupon can be used for which fuel in these three networks - please see below.
A Benzin coupon will not be provided with the new series of coupons due to it’s rapid withdrawal from the German market.
Fuel Grades Compared to BFG Coupons
Due to uncertainty caused by the introduction of the new fuel Coupon ‘Super E10’ and the changes made to various Shell fuel names (and their relationship with the BFG coupons), it is considered prudent to once again advise motorists what coupon(s) may be used for respective fuels at ARAL, SHELL and ESSO service stations in Germany.
It is of particular importance to note that at SHELL stations ‘Super 95’ coupons are ONLY to be used for ‘V-Power’. It must not be used for ‘Fuel Save Super’.
Customers wishing to purchase ‘Fuel Save Super’ must use the ‘Super E10’ coupon. This coupon will also be able to be used for ‘Fuel Save E10’ as and when it becomes available.
Understandably, this can be quite confusing for customers but HQ GSG have no influence on how SHELL has decided to apply the marketing to its range of fuels.
CURRENT ARAL, SHELL AND ESSO FUEL GRADES COMPARED TO BFG FUEL COUPONS
BFG COUPON |
ARAL |
SHELL |
ESSO |
Super 95 |
Super 95 |
V-Power |
Super |
Super E10 |
Super 95 E10 |
Fuel Save Super |
Super E10 |
Super Plus |
Super Plus 98 & |
V-Power Racing |
Super Plus |
Diesel |
Diesel |
Fuel Save Diesel |
Diesel |
Diesel Plus |
Ultimate Diesel |
V-Power Diesel |
Not available |
BFG Vehicle and Insurance Issues During Deployment
Click here to download an important document from the Brigade Master Driver regarding personal BFG vehicle insurance.
Click here to download a useful document from the Brigade Master Driver highlighting the pitfalls and common mistakes during deployment.
Have you been involved in a Traffic Accident With a Vehicle Operated by the MOD in Germany?
Click here to download a document outlining what to do if you have been involved in an accident with a vehicle operated by the MOD in Germany.
Winter Tyres in Germany
In Germany there is no specific months when your car is required to have winter tyres - just specific conditions.
Click here to find out what conditions require you to have winter tyres on your car and what tyres are acceptable.
Fuel Coupon Allowances As of November 2011
On the 1st November 2011, a new fuel allowance is being introduced which will affect all entitled drivers of BFG vehicles. In order to reduce the administration costs of the coupon and to simplify the system, the allowances will change from 12 different types of ration to just 3.
Click here to view the changes and find out more information.
New Vehicle Registrations - Right Hand Drive "61" Registration Marks
Click here for important Information for anyone wishing to BFG-register a new RHD tax-free vehicle being purchased without a UK pink or blue export logbook (i.e. with an allocation certificate).
Changes to the Vehicle BFG MOT/Inspection As Of 1st January 2012
Back in 2009, the European Commission introduced a Directive to standardise vehicle testing across member states. As a result a number of compulsory new testable items will be introduced, mainly due to the electronic safety systems fitted to modern vehicles.
Click here to view a summary of some of the changes occurring as part of the BFG/MOT inspection from 1st January 2012.