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From United States
+1-8007618913
From Canada
+1-2897685366
From United Kingdom
+44-2035140670
From Japan
+81 3-4578-4029
From Argentina
+54-2657459025
From Chile
+56-226665927
From Colombia
+57-6017940262
From Malaysia
+60-392125422
From Mexico
+52-7449800692
From New Zealand
+64-99508740
From Peru
+51-17009061
From Switzerland
+41-445514539
From Thailand
+66-25088458
From Singapore
+65-31585008
From Australia
+61-1800-507-258
From Turkey
+90-850-390-7486
From Italy
+39-800729010
From Portugal
+351-304500663
From Brazil
+55-6140426960
From France
+33-970019487
From Israel
+972-23752163
From Germany
+49 6107 6353100
From China
+86-1089171020
From South Korea (Domestic calls only)
00308 491 0209
From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Available between 10.00 a.m. and 19.00 p.m. (Japan Time)
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The Complete Germany Driving and Rental Guide

Whether for leisure or daily use, driving is very popular in Germany, which is said to feature the most well-established and fast Autobahns. However, not all motorways in Germany have unlimited speed restrictions. You are allowed to drive as fast as the circumstances allows on 50% of the motorways, while for the other half are limited from 80 to 130 km/h, which are enforced.

  • Speed Limit and Traffic Signs
  • Seatbelt and Child Safety
  • Parking, Fuel and Toll
  • Traffic Violation
  • Driving Licence and Age Requirements

Speed Limit and Traffic Signs

Driving in Germany is on the right side of the road. On Autobahns, one must take the right lane and overtake from the left. 

Speed Limit

There is a speed limit of 50 km/h in rural areas and 100 km/h in built-up areas. Recommended maximum speed on motorways is 130 km/h.

Traffic Signs

German traffic signs can be classified into 4 types: regulatory, warning, information and direction signs. 


Warning Signs 

Warning signs are in red triangle shape with a few exceptions. 

Germany_Traffic_Sign_Bumpy_RoadBumpy RoadGermany_Traffic_Sign_Level_CrossingLevel CrossingGermany_Traffic_Sign_PedestriansPedestriansGermany_Traffic_Sign_Children_CrossingChildren CrossingGermany_Traffic_Sign_Wild_Animals_CrossingWild Animals Crossing

Regulatory Signs

German regulatory signs mostly feature circular shape with a red border, with some exceptions. 

Germany_Traffic_Sign_Give_WayGive WayGermany_Traffic_Sign_Stop_And_Give_WayStop and Give WayGermany_Traffic_Sign_No_U_turnNo U-TurnGermany_Traffic_Sign_No_OvertakingNo OvertakingGermany_Traffic_Sign_No_Passenger_CarsNo Passenger Car

Information Signs 

Information signs normally feature a square shape as well as blue background, with some other exceptions. 

Germany_Traffic_Sign_First_Aid_or_HospitalFirst Aid or HospitalGermany_Traffic_Sign_Car_Park_Parking_GarageCar Park, Parking GarageGermany_Traffic_Sign_Toll_RoadToll RoadGermany_Traffic_Sign_Stop_CustomsStop-Customs

Direction Signs 

German direction signs mostly feature a blue or yellow background and markings with location signs, route number information and distance. 

Germany_Traffic_Sign_Motorway_Junction_Sign_to_Service_AreaMotorway Junction Sign to Service AreaGermany_Traffic_Sign_Signpost_at_Junction_Leading_Onto_a_Minor_RoadSignpost at Junction Leading Onto a Minor RoadGermany_Traffic_Sign_Diversion_SignDiversion SignGermany_Traffic_Sign_End_of_DiversionEnd of Diversion

Take a further step to read more useful information regarding Germany traffic signs here.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Seatbelt and Child Safety

Seatbelt Laws

The driver and all passengers are required by law to wear seatbelts if the car is underway. Failing to do so will incur an on-the-spot fine of €30.

Booster Seat Laws

Children over 150cm tall can sit in the front of the car. Younger ones will require appropriate restraints in the rear. Note that a baby must be seated in a baby seat facing backwards in the front passenger seat, and the front airbag must be disabled. If the child seat is not set properly, a fine of €60 will be imposed.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Parking, Fuel and Toll

Parking

· Permitted Parking


Drivers are allowed to park when a “Parkschein” can be found, and can pay the related parking fee to a parking machine. Insert coins to pay for the amount of time you wish to keep your parking spot. then place your ticket on the car’s dashboard in plain sight.

Germany Parking Machine Sign(Image from hiveminer.com)


· Permitted Parking


In Germany, you are considered "parked" if you leave your vehicle or if you stop/stand for longer than 3 minutes, unless you are actively boarding or discharging passengers or loading/unloading cargo. 


You may not park in the following spots: 


- Within 5 metres on either side of an intersection


- In front of driveway entrances or exits, or on the opposite side of the street


- If the roadway is too narrow to allow vehicles to enter or exit the driveway


- If parking will obstruct the use of marked parking places


- Within 15 metres on either side of a bus or streetcar stop marked with a green H-sign with yellow background

Germany_Traffic_Sign_Bus_or_Tram_Stop_15m_Parking_Prohibition_Prior_to_And_Behind_This_Sign_30m_Altogether


- Within 50 metres on either side of a white X-sign with red poles when outside of urban areas or within 5 metres when inside an urban area

Germany_Traffic_Sign_X_Sign_Give_Priority_to_Rail_Transport


- On a priority road outside of urban areas


- In front of a curb-cut or wheelchair ramp


- Adjacent to a traffic island or median


- On the street side of another parked vehicle ("double parked")


- On a marked bike lane - Anywhere there is a “No Parking” sign on the same side of the street

Germany_Traffic_Sign_No_Parking


Parking in forbidden areas will result in a parking fine that generally ranges from €5 to €25.

Fuel Prices

The average value for Germany gasoline price is €1.39 in January 2018 while diesel is €1.16.

Toll

Unlike trucks, passenger car can drive the Autobahn without toll fee. 


However, cross a border into neighbouring countries such as Austria, Switzerland and Czech Republic will require purchasing a vignette that should be stuck on the car’s windshield. Make sure you let the car hire company know if you are planning to drive your vehicle outside Germany, and double-check at the counter whether the rented vehicle features the relevant vignette.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Traffic Violation

DUI Laws

Drivers with more than 2 years' experience are charged with a fine if found driving with 0.05% BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) or with 0.03% in conjunction with any other traffic offences or accidents.

Traffic Fines

There are traffic signs indicating a speed limit at many street sections. Drivers who are speeding in Germany may be caught by a speed trap and the fine ranges from €15 to €680 in town and €10 to €600 outside towns.

Germany Speed Trap(Image from ksta.de)


Travellers renting a car in Germany may receive billing details from their credit cards indicating that a certain amount has been debited, mainly because they have been found guilty of speed driving or prohibited parking. You can always contact QEEQ' 24/7 customer service team for clarifications on such cases.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Driving Licence and Age Requirements

Foreigners on short-term visit may rent a car and drive with a valid foreign driving licence for up to 6 months in Germany. All licences issued by the European Union are accepted. To drive in Germany, the driver must present a valid national driving licence that has been held for at least 1 or 2 years (according to different car hire companies). 


You must be at least 18 years old to hire a car in Germany, and age may vary by car category. 

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Guest reviews

1 /
M.Stimpson

December 26, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

4avoid this company

Booked a small manual compact a month before our trip, we were told at the check in desk they didn't have a car that size and would we like to upgrade? (additional €45/day) when I protested that the upgrade should be at their costs, I was told we would have to wait until the found a car from another hire company. We were left waiting an hour before getting the car (which had the company's livery on it, so clearly had it all along) When I complained to the manager, he told me they have a shortage of cars and some people have to wait 6 or 7 hours!! This company seems to operate on low sticker price and rely on up-charges and bad service (one of the check in staff spend more time texting on her phone than working) I won't be using them again - you get what you pay for...

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Jesus Soriano

December 20, 2024

Destination: Baden-Baden

10Calidad precio muy buena.

Todo perfecto, muy buen coche y viaje muy bueno. Lo único fué, que tenía que pagar una cantidad al recoger el coche y tuve que pagar 7,46 euros más. Lo demás, todo perfecto.

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Ichita Komori

December 20, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

6Europcar's confusing pricing system + no email response

I don't want to blame the staff at the Frankfurt Airport T1 counter, as I think he did the right job suggesting me a gasoline car instead of an EV (although I wonder the Mercedes was a reasonable option). With the change of car I was charged quite a bit at the counter additionally, but that is still understandable. What confuses me is the mysterious 30EUR additional charge on my credit card 1 month after rental, as well as the fact Eurpocar never replied to my request for sending me a full invoice via email. At the end, their website's contacting form doesn't allow me to send this claim due to some technical error on the website. I hope I'm the only one with this kind of experience.

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December 19, 2024

Destination: Munich

10Simply efficient

I had an excellent experience with Europcar! The booking process was straightforward, and the staff were professional and friendly from start to finish. When I arrived, the check-in process was quick and hassle-free, and they had the car ready for me right on time. The vehicle I rented was clean, well-maintained, and exactly as described. It performed flawlessly throughout my trip, and I appreciated how fuel-efficient it was. The selection of vehicles available was impressive, catering to all needs, whether for a family trip, business travel, or leisure. Returning the car was just as smooth as picking it up, with clear instructions and no unexpected charges. Their transparency and excellent customer service really stood out. I highly recommend Europcar for anyone looking for a reliable, stress-free car rental experience.

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K.Dimitrovski

December 14, 2024

Destination: Berlin

10Excellent

Yes

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Stefan S:

December 11, 2024

Destination: Cologne

10Alles Prima!

Super Auto

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A.Holzmann

December 8, 2024

Destination: Hamburg

10superior

great

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T.Arnold

December 4, 2024

Destination: Berlin

3Very confusing and stressful

No details of company or that you had to go to europacar Brought your insurance onlu to find out i had to buy europacars insurance as well! Europacar also would not take cc payment without a pin even thoigh card was present

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E.Pimenta

December 2, 2024

Destination: Stuttgart

7Friendly staff, but long waiting time

We waited more than 40 minutes to pickup the car. There was only one person helped with that process, not enough for the amount of the people that was waiting.

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Y.Weissbrod

December 1, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

9The car - very comfortable. Getting the car - could have been quicker and more mindful.

The car I got was MG (instead of Dacia Sandero) I ordered - which was OK. the man at counter was busy looking around at people, instead of dealing with my order... Taking the car, nobody checked the car with me, just told me to take pictures of the pai t problems I found...

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A.Holzmann

November 25, 2024

Destination: Hamburg

10excellent as usual

excellence

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A.Holzmann

November 20, 2024

Destination: Hamburg

10always great

Great

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Sabina Olex Pietrek

November 13, 2024

Destination: Berlin

10Muy bien

El coche superó las expectativas, prácticamente nuevo, con control de velocidad y de tracción. El personal amable y profesional. La entrega rápida.

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E.Hettinger

October 22, 2024

Destination: Berlin

9Excellent

Leider nichts

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l.pereira

October 20, 2024

Destination: Dusseldorf

10Excellent

Tudo perfeito

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A.B.

October 16, 2024

Destination: Dusseldorf

7Lange Wartezeit - Auto Auswahl nicht zufriedenstellend

Ich habe lange am Schalter gewartet Ich hatte VW Passat gewählt, leider war kein anderes VW Fahrzeug verfügbar. Ich bin mit dem angebotenen Fahrzeug nicht gut zurecht gekommen.

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YUL

October 14, 2024

Destination: Dusseldorf

6Be careful with EUROP CAR, they are terrible.

보증금 반환과 관련되어 문제가 되었습니다. 문의를 했지만 답변이 오지 않고 있습니다. 일방적으로 보증금을 반환하지 않고 있습니다.

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October 8, 2024

Destination: Cologne

10Excellent

Gute Mietfirma

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September 30, 2024

Destination: Munich

9機会があればまた利用したい!

現地スタッフの対応を含めて、全般に良好でした。ワイパーブレードの件だけが残念。

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A.Holzmann

September 25, 2024

Destination: Hamburg

10existential

best ever

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A.Holzmann

September 25, 2024

Destination: Hamburg

10sehr gute App seit Jahren

ja war gut

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A.Holzmann

September 25, 2024

Destination: Hamburg

105 Sterne service

bester Autoverleih

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A.Holzmann

September 25, 2024

Destination: Hamburg

10existenziell

absolut beste App

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A.Holzmann

September 25, 2024

Destination: Hamburg

10notwendige App

sehr gut

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A.Pilgrim

September 25, 2024

Destination: Hannover

9Car good but need a smoking ban or surcharge

Good car. Have used Alamo before .

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S.Jung

September 19, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

9주차요금에대한 스트레스가 많았습니다. 실제 요금지불도 많았고 주차위반 벅금도 1회 받았습니다. 그외 여행은 아주 좋았습니다.

추가요금이 577.76EUR 처음 예약한 금액은 450,985. 추가요금이 완전 많이 나왔어요. TWR 8/27/2024-9/6/2024 €5.04 / Day €50.40 EXS 8/27/2024-9/6/2024 €21.01 / Day €210.10 8월27일 출발해서 29일-30-31일에 네델란드를 여행했고 그외 일정은 독일에 있었는데 위 요금이 정당한 것인지 궁급합니다.

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September 19, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

10Great experience that I’ll use again!

Friendly helpful staff

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F.Lapini

August 28, 2024

Destination: Berlin

9El alquiler en sí muy bien Servicio postventa fatal En Álamo hay chorizos o no tratan Lost and foun

Dejado el coche fuera horario de oficina he dejado la cartera con tarjeta de crédito y carnet de conducir No fue posible recuperarla en el momento Álamo se niega a contestar al teléfono por lo visto también a qeeq y tampoco contestan a las mails Hay ido de persona mi hermano y también otro familiar pero dicen que no han encontrado nada, cuando yo tengo foto De la cartera en el coche Una vergüenza

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K.Banach

August 25, 2024

Destination: Dusseldorf

6Rental was ok; but ripped off by the rental company not honoring the contract I had with you!!!!!!

They ripped me off and charged me three times the amount that was mentioned on your receipt!!!! I will do everything to get my money back. Really concerned about my upcoming booking with you.

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Dhulfiqar Sami

August 10, 2024

Destination: Munich

10Great experience

Everything was great

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Edgar Dewey

August 1, 2024

Destination: Nuremberg

10Excellent

Extremely satisfied! Highly recommend!

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Lilith Cissie

July 31, 2024

Destination: Munich

10Excellent

Very satisfied

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Mick Flower

July 31, 2024

Destination: Bonn

10Excellent

Satisfactory

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Roberta Walton

July 31, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

8Very good

Satisfied

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Sabina Sinclair

July 31, 2024

Destination: Munich

10Excellent

Very satisfied, the staff were attentive and thorough, with a great attitude!

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Alberta Job

July 30, 2024

Destination: Mannheim

10Excellent

A very good car rental experience

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Claude Peter

July 30, 2024

Destination: Mannheim

10Excellent

This is my second time renting from this company, the experience was excellent.

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Eunice Hodge

July 29, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

2Poor

I booked a Volkswagen Touareg four months in advance, but they gave me an Audi A6 instead. This is hard for me to accept, but I had no choice because there were no other cars available, and the rental company didn't provide any explanation. We are a family of five with a lot of luggage, so we booked a large car. How are we supposed to fit our luggage in a sedan? The trunk couldn't fit everything, so we had to carry two pieces of luggage inside the car, which defeats the point of booking a specific model. The website stated 'similar models', but giving us a sedan instead of another similar large car is unreasonable. Secondly, I paid 30% more for the Touareg compared to the A6. Why did they give me a cheaper car despite my higher payment? This lack of honesty affected our comfort throughout the 16-day trip. A better car with a higher price is acceptable, but a lack of basic integrity makes future bookings questionable, as paying a premium didn't mean getting the reserved car. This shows a complete lack of contract spirit.

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Rodney Elsie

July 29, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

10Excellent

Very satisfied.

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Deirdre Bartlett

July 29, 2024

Destination: Munich

10Excellent

We had booked a Mercedes E-Class, but were informed at pickup that only an Audi A5 was available. With five of us, it felt a bit small. We wanted to exchange it for another model but were told no other cars were available. On the bright side, the car was new and very clean.

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Sally Austin

July 28, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

10Excellent

Very satisfied

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Harley Marcellus

July 28, 2024

Destination: Wiesbaden

10Excellent

Very good.

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Hayden Johnson

July 28, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

8Very good

Very satisfied

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Jocelyn Wild

July 28, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

10Excellent

Very satisfied and exceeded expectations.

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Elsa Camp

July 28, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

10Excellent

Satisfied

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Diana Coverdale

July 28, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

10Excellent

They provided a large SUV, diesel, very fuel-efficient. The car was brand new, quite satisfied.

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Andy Carmen

July 28, 2024

Destination: Neu-Ulm

10Excellent

Very satisfied

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Maxwell Daniell

July 27, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

6Average

Zuzuche is ok.

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Beacher Eve

July 27, 2024

Destination: Berlin

8Very good

Pretty good

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Clara Bernal

July 27, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

10Excellent

The service attitude is good, and the explanations are very detailed.

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Best car rental deals in Germany

Best rates found by QEEQ users in the last 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Q1.What is an insurance excess?

The excess is the amount you'll only be liable for in case of damage(under Collision Damage Waiver) or theft(under Theft Protection) of the vehicle.
Information about the excess will be clearly stated in the price inclusion when you reserve a car on QEEQ.

Q2. How can I add an addtional driver?

You are advised to make a request upon your arrival at the rental counter. Additional charge per day will incur unless '1 Additional Driver Included' is stipulated on the rental.
Please note that the same licence and age requirement applys to the additonal driver. The addtional driver is supposed to present the required licence document along with the main driver at pickup.

Q3.What if I want to pick up or drop off my rental car out of office hours?

QEEQ will show you the car offers available at your chosen time on the search results.
However, pick-up or drop-off out of general opening hours may subject to an extra fee unless self-service pick-up or drop-off is available.
After you reserve a car on QEEQ, we will inform you of specific policy of the car hire company by email.

Q4. Can I take the hired car to another country or cross border?

If you want to pick up your car in one country and drop it in another, your search results will show you cars you can do that with.
If you're planning to cross any borders during your trip, bear in mind:
1. You may have to pay more.
There are often extra fees, taxes or additional cover you'll pay at the car hire counter.
2.It may not be allowed.
Depending on where you're hiring, you may not be able to take your car to another country.
Please email us if you want to take your hire car into a different country during your trip, and we'll talk you through your options.

Q5. Can I pick up my car at one location and return it at different location?

Yes. You can pick up the vehicle in one place and drop it off in another. An ‘one-way fee’ will incur. Whether it is inclued in the rental price or what additional cost may arise will be clearly stated at the time of booking on QEEQ.
Please inform the car hire company of your drop-off location when you pick up the vehicle or contact them directly during your trip. You will find a phone number on the rental agreement you signed at pickup.

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