When most of us hear ‘Autobahn’ we think of German motorways without speed limits. However, not all roads on the network let drivers put their foot down without restrictions.
Here, we run through the rules and regulations of the famous highways so you can drive with confidence on your next European road trip.
What is the Autobahn?
In the UK we usually use the term Autobahn to refer to German motorways, without speed limits, however, in Germany, ‘Autobahn’ can be used to refer to a highway in any country. The official term is ‘bundesautobahn’, often shortened to BAB.
The federally-built roads feature at least two lanes travelling in each direction and, despite the common misconception, speed limits may apply.
There are 8,080 miles1 of Autobahn throughout Germany, with the distinctive roads being easily identified by a unique set of blue and white signs. Another set of highways in Germany, the Gelbe Autobahn (yellow Autobahn), features yellow signs.
How to use the Autobahn
You’ll know you’re entering the Autobahn when you see this sign:
From this point on, it’s important to stay in the right lane unless overtaking. The rule works similarly to our own middle lane hogging laws.
If speed limits apply, you’ll see a black number on a round white sign outlined in red.
The sign indicating the end of speed limits looks like our ‘national speed limit applies’ sign:
From here, previous restrictions on overtaking and speed limits no longer apply.
An advisory speed limit of 130kph or 81 mph is recommended for all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes includingpassenger cars above 3.5 tonnes.
Remember, on roads without speed limits, it’s likely that someone is travelling faster than you, so you should move out of the left lane as soon as it’s safe to do so.
The hard shoulder
Like our motorways and unlike our ‘all lane running’ smart motorways, the Autobahn features a hard shoulder.
You shouldn’t use the hard shoulder unless you’re given permission by this sign:
or instructed to by this sign:
Roadworks
Keep an eye out for roadworks on the Autobahn by looking for yellow road markings.
The yellow lines have priority over white lines and might instruct you to stay within a lane over a stretch of road.
Exiting the Autobahn
When leaving the Autobahn you can drive faster than vehicles to your left after the exit lanes begin (look out for the broken white line).
Emergency vehicles on the Autobahn
Emergency vehicles have right of way on the Autobahn and when traffic is moving slowly it’s important to create a ‘Rettungsgasse’ or emergency vehicle lane.
If there are two lanes in each direction, you should move your car to the far right or far left depending on your position to create a middle lane for emergency vehicles.
If there are more than two lanes, drivers in the right-side lanes should move further right, while drivers in the third or fourth left lane should stay on the far left.2
You might spot the specialised police force while on the German motorways. The ‘Autobahnpolizei’ are similar to our highway patrol officers and have even inspired a series of Autobhan Police simulator computer games.
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Autobahn speed limits
Although many drivers dream of hitting the Autobahn to drive without speed limits, some sections of the motorways enforce restrictions.
In fact, roughly 30% of the Autobahn network has speed limits. 3 This figure breaks down to:
| Speed limit | Coverage of Autobahn |
|---|---|
| 130 kph | 4.7% |
| 120 kph | 7.8% |
| 100 kph | 5.6% |
| 80 kph | 2.3% |
| 60 kph | 0.3% |
| Less than 60 kph | 0.1% |
A further 9% of the Autobahn uses traffic control systems to regulate traffic.
When driving a caravan or towing a motor home if your weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes an 80kph (50 mph) limit applies.4
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Autobahn rules and laws
The rules of the Autobahn aren’t too different to those on our own motorways, (apart from the driving on the right hand side and unlimited speed limits of course).
If you follow the rules below you can enjoy a safe and legal journey on Europe’s most famous highways.
Rule 1: Always overtake on the left.
Overtaking vehicles on the right is verboten, or forbidden, unless traffic is moving at a very slow speed, for example, in a traffic jam.
Rule 2: Slower traffic stays on the right
One of the reasons that the Autobahn allows cars to travel without speed limits is because drivers in Germany understand the importance of keeping the fast lane moving.
Even if you’re travelling at 100mph or more, someone else could be travelling faster. Once you’ve passed slower vehicles and it’s safe to do so, you should always try to switch lanes to the right.
Rule 3: Use your indicators
This one’s simple and even more important when travelling at higher speeds than what we’re used to in the UK.
Rule 4: Stick to the speed limit
Possibly the most surprising rule of the Autobahn but you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for limits on 30% of the network.
Look out for speed limit signs similar to ours at home or instructions on overhead gantries.
Other rules of the Autobahn
You should never:
- Run out of fuel
- Reverse or make any U-turns
- Stop or park along the Autobahn
- Drive in the left lane to prevent vehicles from passing
- Tailgate and flash drivers to encourage them into right lanes
- Get out of your car when stuck in a traffic jam
When driving in Germany it’s compulsory to keep a warning triangle and first aid kit in your car at all times. You can find out more about driving in Germany, here.
Autobahn etiquette
If you stick to the right hand lanes between overtaking and use your indicators in good time you shouldn’t run into trouble when travelling on the Autobahn.
Although using headlights to force other drivers to move over is considered bad practice it can be common.
If drivers try to hurry you up while you overtake another car you should stay calm and carry on with the manoeuvre in the same way you normally would.
Is the Autobahn being banned?
Rumours that speed limits will be enforced across all of the Autobahn network crop up from time to time.
In February 2020, Germany’s parliament voted against a 130kph (80 mph) speed limit, but the issue is likely to arise once more, especially if environmental groups and safety campaigners increase their pressure on the Government.5
A decision to enforce a 130 kph limit would prove controversial, as almost half (45%) of German citizens are against the idea, while 53% are in favour. 6
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Why doesn't the UK have an Autobahn equivalent?
A 70mph speed limit has been enforced on our motorways for almost 36 years 7. During that time, debates have mostly looked at increasing the speed limit rather than removing it entirely.
In 2011, an independent climate change committee found that a 10mph increase would generate an extra 2.2 million tonnes of CO2 a year. However, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps believes that the growing adoption of cleaner electric vehicles could pave the way for an 80mph speed limit.
The chief executive of Highways England, Jim O’Sullivan, supports the idea too: “parts of the network could already operate with an 80mph limit, but such a move was being held back by public opinion.”
More than a third (36.3%) of the public would welcome an 80mph speed limit in the UK. 41.1% wouldn’t welcome the increase, while a further 22.6% are unsure about their stance.8
For the RAC and many motorists, increasing motorway speed limits is an issue of safety rather than balancing emissions.
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1. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/Autobahn-germany-history/index.html
2. https://www.german-way.com/travel-and-tourism/driving-in-europe/driving/Autobahn/driving-on-the-Autobahn/
3.https://www.statista.com/chart/16810/breakdown-of-speed-limits-on-stretches-of-Autobahn-with-no-roadworks/
4.https://routetogermany.com/drivingingermany/Autobahn
5.https://fortune.com/2020/03/07/germany-Autobahn-speed-limits-green-party/
6.https://www.infratest-dimap.de/umfragen-analysen/bundesweit/umfragen/aktuell/mehrheit-sieht-wachsenden-antisemitismus-in-deutschland/
7.https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/uk-drivers-want-see-speed-19211142
8.https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/uk-drivers-want-see-speed-19211142
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German Autobahn FAQ
What is the fastest speed ever recorded on the autobahn?
The fastest speed ever officially recorded on the German autobahn is 432.7 km/h (268 mph). It was set by German racing driver Rudolf Caracciola in 1938 in a Mercedes-Benz W125 Rekordwagen.
Why does Germany have no speed limit?
The German government passed the Road Traffic Act in 1934, where speeds in urban areas were limited to 60 km/h (37 mph). No speed limit was stated for autobahns and this hasn’t changed much. In recent years, the German government has recommended a maximum speed of 130 km/h (80 mph), however, there are no restrictions in the de-restricted sections of the autobahns.
What is a German motorway called?
A German motorway with certain areas where there are no speed limits is called an Autobahn.
How fast can you go on the autobahn?
The German government recommends a maximum speed of 130 km/h (80 mph) on its motorways, however, there are no restrictions in the de-restricted sections of the autobahns - meaning drivers can reach very high speeds.
(Video) Driving in Bad Weather - Germany Autobahn | The No Speed Limit Highway [4K HDR]
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FAQs
What are the rules for driving on the Autobahn? ›
Automobiles Only. Only cars, motorcycles, SUVs and trucks are allowed on the Autobahn. Those riding mopeds or bicycles cannot enter the thoroughfare. With speeds at over 100 mph in most places, slow-moving vehicles are safe on the highway, so don't jump on the Bahn in anything that can't safely handle fast speeds.
How fast should I drive on the Autobahn? ›The German government recommends a maximum speed of 130 kph, so about 80 mph per hour on autobahns, but drivers are free to go as fast as they want in de-restricted sections of the autobahns.
Where can you drive on the Autobahn with no speed limit? ›Information. Germany is the only country in the world where there is no general speed limit on motorways. That is, if the end of all route bans is signaled by sign or electronic display, you as a road user are entitled to drive as fast as you want or can.
What are the best parts of the Autobahn to drive on? ›The Best Section of the Autobahn
While most of the Autobahn has some sections where you can put your foot down and unleash the horsepower, the A24 Autobahn would probably be the best place to satisfy your need for speed. The A24 is the section of the Autobahn from Hamburg to Berlin which spans 147 miles.
You can pass only on the left. Stay in the right lane, especially if you're new to the Autobahn. The left lane is for drivers going extremely fast or for passing vehicles in the right lane. Stopping, parking, u-turns and backing up on the Autobahn is illegal.
Can you drive 150 mph on Autobahn? ›In fact, over two thirds of the network has no speed limit, although these stretches still have a 'recommended speed' of 80 mph (130 km/h). It may be no surprise to learn that drivers regularly top speeds of 100 mph on these parts of the autobahn, averaging 150 mph in the left lane.
What happens if you run out of gas on the autobahn? ›Running out of fuel on the Autobahn is illegal, as it as seen as a preventable circumstance, and leads to stopping on the Autobahn, which, as stated in rule 2, is prohibited.
Can you go 300 mph on the autobahn? ›More than half of the total length of the German autobahn network has no speed limit, about one third has a permanent limit, and the remaining parts have a temporary or conditional limit. Some cars with very powerful engines can reach speeds of well over 300 km/h (190 mph).
What is the fastest someone has gone on the autobahn? ›It's that easy. The fastest speed ever officially recorded on the autobahn was set by famed German racing driver Rudolf Caracciola in 1938 when he reached 432.7 km/h (268 mph) in the Mercedes-Benz W125 Rekordwagen on a closed section.
What is the fatality rate on the autobahn? ›Yes, there are speed limits on many sections of Germany's superhighways, but there are stretches with no speed limit. Yet the death rate per billion kilometers driven is lower on Germany's autobahns (2.7 fatalities) than on the US Interstate highways (4.5 fatalities).
How do I know if I'm on the autobahn? ›
There are 8,080 miles1 of Autobahn throughout Germany, with the distinctive roads being easily identified by a unique set of blue and white signs. Another set of highways in Germany, the Gelbe Autobahn (yellow Autobahn), features yellow signs.
What is the accident rate on the German autobahn? ›SCHMITZ: According to road accident statistics from last year, 34 people per million Germans died in car accidents, but only 5% of those accidents occurred on the autobahn. Germany's fatal car accident rate is among the lowest in Europe and is more than three times as low as the rate in the United States.
What is the slowest you can drive on the autobahn? ›2.2 Minimum Required Speed on Autobahn
Walking is also not permitted along the Autobahn. Driving slower than 60 km/h due to any reason is not permitted. If for example, a vehicle has some mechanical fault and can't attain the speed of at least 60 km/h, it must leave the Autobahn on the next exit and use other roads.
The legal speed limit is a black number on a round white sign outlined in red (see sign images below). Sometimes there are also overhead electronic signs indicating the speed limit and warnings. Many autobahn sections have limits of 120 km/h (75 mph), 110 km/h (68 mph) or lower, especially in urban areas.
What is the slowest speed on autobahn? ›Unlike many countries, Germany also has minimum speed limits. On a six lane road – the minimum speed for the fast lane is 110 km/h, middle lane is 90 km/h, and slow lane is 60 km/h. If a car cannot maintain these speeds on flat ground, then they are not allowed on motorways in Germany.
How many accidents occur on the Autobahn? ›Motorway Deaths
Taking a closer look at Germany, federal and state statistics reported by Der Spiegel show that there 0.95 fatal accidents per billion kilometres driven on German autobahn sections with speed limits.
- Don't overdo it,
- Don't driver faster than you feel comfortable. ...
- Only pass on the left.
- Be carefull when passing as much slower cars or trucks may change lanes.
- Very fast driving makes you tired, take a break every 2 hours.
- No matter how fast you are, there may be quicker ones. ...
- Don't overdo it.
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What is the highest speed limit in the US? ›The highest speed limit in the country is 85 mph (137 km/h), which is posted on a single stretch of tollway in exurban areas outside Austin, Texas. The lowest maximum speed limit in the country is 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) in American Samoa.
What road has no speed limit in USA? ›AUSTIN, Texas — The new US 183 South toll road runs from U.S. 290 East to Texas 71 near the Austin airport.
Can you get pulled over for speeding on the autobahn? ›
Yes. Although there are parts with no speed limit, you can still be pulled over if you exceed reasonable speed and/or have difficulty controlling your vehicle. What happens if you're pulled over for speeding and you don't roll down your window when the cop gets there?
Does the Autobahn get potholes? ›The German autobahn does not have potholes. The concrete and underlying roadbed is twice as thick, and the roads are rebuilt when they seem to American eyes to be in excellent condition. German cars are engineered for high speed and safety.
How do I fill gas in Germany? ›Pay at the pump is still rare in Germany, though. Instead, pump first, note the pump number, then go inside to pay. If you plan to use a credit card, you may want to go inside first and ask if they accept it before filling up, although it's pretty rare to find a station nowadays that doesn't take cards.
How wide are the lanes on the Autobahn? ›A modern Autobahn divided highway with two lanes per direction has lanes 3.75 m (12.3 ft) wide with an additional clearance of 0.50 m (20 in) on each side; with three lanes per direction this becomes 3.75 m (12.3 ft) for the rightmost lane and 3.5 m (11 ft) for the other lanes.
Which country has no speed limit? ›Germany is the only wealthy country in the world without a general speed limit. A drunk at a bar might tell you that German highways are particularly safe. But you don't need to know much about physics to understand that a car moving twice as fast is going to have a lot more kinetic energy.
How safe is the autobahn? ›Currently the German autobahn system is rated as one of the safest in the world. There is some discussion over imposing an 80 miles per hour (128.7kilometers per hour) speed limit on the autobahn. The limit has less to do with speed and more to do with new concerns over carbon emissions.
What is the crazy speed on the autobahn? ›The fastest speed ever recorded on the German Autobahn was 432 kilometres per hour. The speed was recorded by Rudolf Caracciola on the stretch just before his accident.
How straight is the autobahn? ›The Entire Autobahn Is One Perfectly Straight, Smooth Road
It curves through hills and forests, just like any highway, and it is woefully, tragically not just an 8,705 mile-long launchpad for tragedy.
As of 2018 the highest posted speed limit in the world is 160 km/h (99 mph), applied on two motorways in the UAE. Speed limits and safety distance are poorly enforced in the UAE, specifically on the Abu Dhabi to Dubai motorway – which results in dangerous traffic, according to a French government travel advisory.
Is the Autobahn safer than the US? ›Is the Autobahn safest? Research by the Federal Highway Research Institute states that the Autobahn experiences fewer vehicle-related fatalities than the U.S. This means this German highway experiences fewer deaths per billion miles traveled than American highways.
Who has the safest roads in the world? ›
According to the data we sourced from OurWorldInData and Gov.UK, Norway has officially earned the title of the safest place to drive in the world, with only 1.5 traffic-related fatalities per 100,000 people.
What highway has the highest fatality rate? ›First, we found the deadliest single mile in the entire United States – a one-mile section of I-95 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This section of I-95 is the deadliest mile in the United States. From 2000 and 2019, 23 fatal crashes (and 24 deaths) occurred on this one-mile stretch of highway.
How many miles is the Autobahn? ›Today, the Autobahn symbolizes freedom for many, even far away from Germany. Since 1953, the official term for the German motorways has been Bundesautobahn, the “federal motorway”. There's now a whopping 8,080 miles (13,000 kilometers) of Autobahn, ranking it among the longest and most dense road systems in the world.
What direction does the Autobahn go? ›The current German Bundesautobahn numbering scheme, introduced in 1975, is similar to the US Interstate numbering system. Even-numbered autobahns run east-west. Odd-numbered autobahns run north-south.
What is the hard shoulder in Germany? ›hard shoulder as lanes, bus stops and taxi stands
Drive on the hard shoulder This sign allows hard shoulders to be used as traffic lanes; this is like driving in the right lane. The lane separator can be crossed like a guide marking.
In Germany, is it illegal to run out of fuel on highways? - Quora. In Germany, is it illegal to run out of fuel on highways? On the Autobahns yes. You are not allowed to stop unless it is for unavoidable and unforseeable emergencies or breakdowns, as a stopped car is a danger for the fast flowing traffic.
Are there a lot of car accidents on the Autobahn? ›Does Germany have a higher incidence of auto accidents per capita, because of the high speed limits on the autobahn? No, they have some of the safest traffic in the world, although beaten by the UK, the Scandinavian countries, Switzerland and maybe a few others.
Who created the Autobahn? ›Hitler's autobahn construction began in September 1933 under the direction of chief engineer Fritz Todt. The 14-mile expressway between Frankfurt and Darmstadt, which opened on May 19, 1935, was the first section completed under Hitler.
What happens if you run out of gas on the Autobahn? ›Running out of fuel on the Autobahn is illegal, as it as seen as a preventable circumstance, and leads to stopping on the Autobahn, which, as stated in rule 2, is prohibited.
How slow can you go on Autobahn? ›The legal speed limit is a black number on a round white sign outlined in red (see sign images below). Sometimes there are also overhead electronic signs indicating the speed limit and warnings. Many autobahn sections have limits of 120 km/h (75 mph), 110 km/h (68 mph) or lower, especially in urban areas.
What's the fastest someone has driven on the autobahn? ›
What is the fastest speed ever recorded on the autobahn? The fastest speed ever recorded on the German Autobahn was 432 kilometres per hour. The speed was recorded by Rudolf Caracciola on the stretch just before his accident. This is the highest recorded speed on a motorway.
What is the slowest you can drive on the Autobahn? ›2.2 Minimum Required Speed on Autobahn
Walking is also not permitted along the Autobahn. Driving slower than 60 km/h due to any reason is not permitted. If for example, a vehicle has some mechanical fault and can't attain the speed of at least 60 km/h, it must leave the Autobahn on the next exit and use other roads.
Yes, there are speed limits on many sections of Germany's superhighways, but there are stretches with no speed limit. Yet the death rate per billion kilometers driven is lower on Germany's autobahns (2.7 fatalities) than on the US Interstate highways (4.5 fatalities).
What is the fastest speed limit in the world? ›As of 2018 the highest posted speed limit in the world is 160 km/h (99 mph), applied on two motorways in the UAE. Speed limits and safety distance are poorly enforced in the UAE, specifically on the Abu Dhabi to Dubai motorway – which results in dangerous traffic, according to a French government travel advisory.
What is the highest speed limit in the United States? ›The highest speed limit in the country is 85 mph (137 km/h), which is posted on a single stretch of tollway in exurban areas outside Austin, Texas. The lowest maximum speed limit in the country is 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) in American Samoa.
How many lanes is the autobahn? ›Two, three, or occasionally four lanes per direction. Rural section lanes are generally 3.75 meters wide except the left lane of newer three lane segments, which is 3.5 meters wide. On urban sections, all lanes are 3.5 meters wide.