Ausfahrt (exit) sign on the highway (sandrafotodesign (123RF))
REQUIREMENTS
Service members and dependents stationed in Germany must have valid U.S. Forces Certificate of Licenses (USAREUR).
Valid U.S. driver’s licenses.
Proof of insurance.
Vehicle registration.
An IDP is recommended for those stationed outside of Germany.
Minimum driving age is 18.
U.S. FORCES POINT SYSTEM
Drivers with U.S. forces driver’s licenses in Europe (USAREUR) are monitored by a U.S. military police demerit point database. It tracks driving and some parking offenses on and off base.
Visit www.aepubs.eur.army.mil/AE-Regulations and refer to AE REG 120-1 for point system details.
12 points in a 12-month period or 18 points in a 24-month period will face driving privilege suspension for 180 days.
DOCTRINE OF CONFIDENCE
Germans expect each other to be confident drivers who obey traffic laws, stay alert and drive defensively at all times. This “doctrine of confidence” allows both drivers and pedestrians to have confidence in one another, knowing that all are responsible for being safe. By signing for your USAREUR license, you also agree to be a confident driver at all times. Rude gestures to other drivers are reportable and can result in hefty fines.
FUEL RATIONS
U.S. military, DoD civilians, ID cardholders and their dependents stationed or TDY in Germany are eligible for reduced costs fuel purchases. Once your vehicle is inspected and registered with the local USAREUR Vehicle Registration office, you can sign up for the AAFES duty-free fuel program.
The program is only available in Germany.
Allows use of on-base AAFES facilities.
Off-base, you can use Esso gas stations.
Money is added to a prepaid card for purchases.
The prepaid balance is shared across owners and vehicles.
All registered vehicles have a monthly ration based on the vehicle’s size and weight, as noted on your vehicle registration.
The ration card is only good for the assigned vehicle and its fuel.
More than one vehicle may be registered, and up to two ID holders may be assigned to a fuel card for each vehicle.
Exceeding your fuel ration allowance or prepaid balance, or buying with an expired card
will result in paying the taxed, economy fuel price.
Using a Fuel Card
On base at AAFES gas stations, you can use your prepaid balance or another form of payment.
Off base at ESSO gas stations, you must pay with the prepaid balance.
Pump gas first, then take the fuel card, vehicle registration and ID card to the attendant.
Pay with your fuel card. Money will be deducted from your prepaid balance. You must know your four-digit PIN.
Liters purchased will be deducted from your monthly ration. If you are at an Esso station and the payment system goes down, the staff should call a dual language system to complete the transaction. You can also call the customer support number on your card.
Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
Customer support phone: 0800-1819945
Card Balances
Your card balance will be printed on purchase receipts and can be checked or added to at odin.aafes.com/esso or by calling the toll-free number on your card. You can also add money to your card at AAFES gas stations or by automatic bank transfer or payment.
Program details at www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/overseas/germany-fuel-ration.
