The GermanAutobahnis famous worldwide; to some, it is legendary; to others, it is mystique. Whether theAutobahncauses you to daydream or to feel anxious, any foreigner in Germany, whether visiting or living here, won’t leave without having experienced it. This article will give you some facts, rules, and controversy on the infamous GermanAutobahn.
Table of Contents
What is theAutobahn?
TheAutobahnin Germany is the highway system throughout Germany. Its official name is theBundesautobahn(federal highway), built to reach cities by car in the fastest way. It is access-controlled and only allows vehicles that can go faster than 60 km/h (37,3 mph).
An Autobahn in Germany must always have two directional lanes separated from each other with a green strip with steel crash barriers or a concrete safety barrier. Each directional lane must have a minimum of two lanes. TheAutobahnmust always be‘höhenfrei’, which literally translates to ‘hight free’ and means that two or more traffic routes do not intersect on the same level.
The first public highway in Germany that is considered the firstAutobahnwas inaugurated in 1932 and runs from Cologne to Bonn. Today it is called the A555, and as I originally come from Bonn, it is my favorite stretch of highway to test drive cars or motorcycles.
How long is the GermanAutobahn?
TheAutobahnin Germany refers to an entire highway network. The length of the whole network of theAutobahnwas13.200 km in 2020. That makes it the fourth-longest highway system globally, after China, the US, and Spain. The longest individualAutobahnis the A7 with 962,2 km. It crosses vertically completely through Germany, from the border of Denmark in the north to the border of Austria in the south.
How fast can you drive on theAutobahnin Germany?
There are stretches on theGermanAutobahnwhere you can drive as fast as your car, the traffic, and your abilities allow. Around 70% of theAutobahnnetwork has no speed limit (unless there is a temporary construction in place). On these stretches, the recommended speed is 130 km/h (80,8 mph).
![The German Autobahn [A Detailed Guide for First-Timers] (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.simplegermany.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/speed-limits-on-the-german-Autobahn.svg "The German Autobahn [A Detailed Guide for First-Timers] (1)")
Thefastest ever measured speedon anAutobahnunder everyday conditions was 423,3 km/h (263 mph) in 2010. My fastest speed has been 245 km/h (152,2 mph). According to astudy done in 2020, only 15% of all Germans have ever driven faster than 240 km/h (149 mph).
If you would like to get a taste of how fast the world around you moves when going at 333 km/h (210 mph) on the Autobahn, start your ride at minute 1:10 in the below video.
Disclaimer: I am in no way advocating speeding. You always need to be 100% comfortable and in control of your car.
10 rules of theGerman Autobahn
To make your firstAutobahnexperience a fun and safe one, we outline a few of the most important rules for you.
1. The left lane is only for fast drivers that take over others
Don’t ever stay on the left lane if you have space on the right lane(s) next to you. You will encounter yourself with a speeding car approaching at speeds you have never experienced before, sending down a cold shiver on your spine. Should you not move in time and therefore force the fast-approaching car to break, you might get flashed at. So either join the speed if you feel like you can control it or get out of the way.
2. Don’t ever pass a slower car on the right
Even if there is space, don’t pass a slower car on the right. You are only allowed to take over via the left.
3. Don’t bully other drivers through tailgating
Should you encounter a car glued to the left lane, don’t bully them into moving right by getting so close that you lose the minimum distance between two cars. You could get fined up to 400 euros for that. A rule of thumb for the minimum distance between two cars is ‘Abstand gleich halber Tacho’, meaning the distance should be half of the speed you are going. So if you are going 120 km/h, you should keep a distance to the car in front of 60 meters.
4. Always put your blinker out before you change lanes
Traffic on theAutobahncan be fast, lightning-fast in fact, so you need to announce your plan to switch lanes with your blinkers.
5. Always check your side mirrors before you change lanes
Even if you have checked (especially your left mirror) three seconds ago, you might find or even feel a car gushing past you.
6. Trucks need to stay on the right lane
On German highways, trucks need to drive on the right lane unless they are taking over another truck.
7. Obey the speed limit
As you have learned earlier, speed limits exist on the GermanAutobahn, and you should respect them. There are frequently permanent and temporary radars installed. Speeding during a speed limit can become very expensive or even cost you your license.
8. Always carry a reflective vest, warning triangle, and first aid kit in your car
Next to your driving license and vehicle registration, you must always carry a reflective vest for each passenger. In case of a breakdown, you must wear the reflective vest and place the warning triangle 200m behind your car facing the approaching traffic.
9. Never stop, park, drive or reverse on the emergency lane unless indicated
As the name suggests, the emergency lane should only be used in case of a breakdown. However, on certain stretches of the Autobahn, signs will indicate using the emergency lane for driving. This depends on the traffic situation.
10. Keep a corridor for emergency vehicles in a traffic jam
Should you get stuck in a traffic jam, always help keep a rescue lane for emergency vehicles between two lanes. In the case of three lanes, the corridor should be formed between the left and the middle lane.
![The German Autobahn [A Detailed Guide for First-Timers] (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.simplegermany.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Rescue-lane-on-the-German-Autobahn.svg "The German Autobahn [A Detailed Guide for First-Timers] (2)")
Related Guide:German Driving License Explained for Expats
Navigating theGerman Autobahn
- Ausfahrtmeans exit
- There are only exits to the right on the GermanAutobahn
- There are long stretches, mainly in rural areas, without street lighting on the Autobahn
- East-West highways are even-numbered, and North-South highways are odd-numbered
- Germans put hazard warning flashers on to announce an upcoming traffic jam
- The blue directional signs do not have compass directions but rather indicate the larger cities you are driving towards
Map of the Autobahnnetwork
![The German Autobahn [A Detailed Guide for First-Timers] (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.simplegermany.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Map-of-German-Autobahn-network.jpg "The German Autobahn [A Detailed Guide for First-Timers] (3)")
Important German Autobahn signs
Below is an infographic about speed limits on the Autobahn. As a rule of thumb, you can usually find speed limits close to cities and urban areas, sometimes only applying at night, to reduce the noise.
![The German Autobahn [A Detailed Guide for First-Timers] (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.simplegermany.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/important-traffic-signs-on-the-German-Autobahn.svg "The German Autobahn [A Detailed Guide for First-Timers] (4)")
If you don’t see any speed limit sign after you enter the Autobahn, you are most likely in an area without a speed limit. If you are unsure, whether you might have overlooked a speed limit sign, pay close attention after the next entry to the highway. If there is a speed limit, it is always announced after an entry to the Autobahn.
Is the Autobahn dangerous?
Whether the Autobahn is dangerous or not is a very subjective question. Let’s take a look at Germany’scar accident statisticsand where most accidents happen that involve injured people to get a better idea.
| Accident location | Accidents with injured people | Small injuries | Bad injuries | Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autobahn | 7% | 8% | 9% | 12% |
| Built-up areas | 69% | 67% | 53% | 30% |
| Countryside speedway | 25% | 25% | 39% | 58% |
These numbers show that theAutobahnaccident rate is a lot less than car accidents in built-up areas and countryside speedways. If we look at thenumber of deaths on highwaysper 1 billion kilometers driven in other European countries, Germany finds itself in the middle.
| Country | Death rate on highways | Official speed limit |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | 4,8 | 140 km/h |
| Italy | 3,1 | 130 km/h |
| Spain | 2,6 | 120 km/h |
| Germany | 1,9 | No limit |
| France | 1,7 | 130 km/h |
| Netherlands | 1,2 | 130 km/h |
| UK | 1,0 | 113 km/h |
An interesting fact in Germany is that if you drive significantly faster than 130 km/h and get involved in an accident, you will automatically get blamed for negligence of about 30 percent. According to the law, speed increases the operational hazard posed by a vehicle. In case of doubt, the driver must prove that the accident would also have happened if he had adhered to the recommended speed of 130 km/h.
Related Guide: Car Insurance in Germany
The controversy about a speed limit on the Autobahn
In the past years, the debate pro and contra a permanent speed limit on the German Autobahn has become bigger. In October 2019, the German government rejected a proposed speed limit of 130 km/h, yeta study done in 2020shows that 41% of Germans are for a speed limit, while 31% are against a speed limit. In politics, this topic provides some of the hottest discussions and strong positioning of parties.
Conclusion
The German Autobahn lives up to its legendary status and allows it to experience exhilarating speeds. It is a vital vein for transportation in Germany at the end of the day, whether for long-distance travel or everyday commuting. If you want to experience it in all its glory, take a spin on Sunday morning, as it tends to be the least trafficked at that time.
Enjoy the ride, and stay safe!
FAQs
How do you pass on the Autobahn? ›
Autobahn Highway Laws
It is illegal to pass on the right. 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.
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.
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.
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 drive on the Autobahn? ›Many autobahn sections have limits of 120 km/h (75 mph), 110 km/h (68 mph) or lower, especially in urban areas.
Can you pass on both the right and left on the autobahn in Germany? ›Lane Control
You can only pass slower cars using the left lane. You are not allowed to pass a vehicle using the right lane on the Autobahn. When there is traffic congestion, all drives must either pull over and drive on the right-hand side or left-hand side. This opens a center lane for emergency vehicles.
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.
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 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 average speed of passenger cars on all autobahns is 125 km/h.
Why can't we have Autobahn in the US? ›
In more or less decreasing order of importance, why America cannot handle high-speed autobahn-type freeways: Car control. It's too easy to get a driver's license in America, i.e., formal car control courses are not required and are required for speeds greater than 70 or 80 mph / 130 kph.
What are the unwritten rules of the Autobahn? ›- 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
How much does it cost to drive on the Autobahn? ›Each race is $19.99, which is 14 laps for adults (ages 13 and up), and 12 laps for juniors (ages 8-12). The races take about 10 minutes to complete. We also offer multi-race packages ranging from 3 races to 20 race packages. For 1 license and 1 race per person it'll be $25.99 per person.
What is the two second rule in Germany? ›The two-second rule is a rule of thumb by which a driver may maintain a safe trailing distance at any speed. The rule is that a driver should ideally stay at least two seconds behind any vehicle that is directly in front of his or her vehicle.
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.
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.
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 top speed of the Lamborghini on the autobahn? ›AutoTopNL brought a 1,250HP twin turbo Lamborghini Huracan to Autobahn for some top speed testing and it easily reach its maximum speed of over 360 kph!
Is there an autobahn in America? ›The American autobahn
Just about 15 miles outside of San Antonio, Texas, lies State Highway 130. Highway 130 was created to relieve traffic from the highly-congested Highway I-35, and for that reason we expected it to be packed. Instead, the freshly-paved roads of Highway 130 are barely traveled.
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.
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.
Is there a part of the autobahn with no speed limit? ›First it's worth mentioning that only around an eighth of the Autobahn network is de-restricted (no speed limit). About a third is limited to 81mph (130kph) and the rest has a variable speed limit so you need to pay attention to any restrictions before planting your left foot.
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.
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.
There are, however, stretches of the roadway where it is true, no speed limit. German regulations, however, mandate that a vehicle is always under control, leaving room for the “reasonable speed” limits that are enforced in other nations. In all, about one-half of the miles of the Autobahn has a posted speed limit.
At what mileage should a car be replaced? ›
A conventional car can last for 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained car models will reach 300,000 or more miles total. The average passenger car age is currently around 12 years in the United States. Choosing a well-built make and model can help extend your car's longevity.
How many miles is too many for a used car? ›What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.
What type of car is best for long distance driving? ›- 2022 Subaru Forester. The 2022 Subaru Forester is an excellent car option for long-distance driving. ...
- 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. ...
- 2022 Tesla Model 3. ...
- 2022 Honda Odyssey. ...
- 2022 Ford Mustang. ...
- 2022 Kia Telluride. ...
- 2022 Hyundai Ioniq. ...
- 2022 Honda Accord.
The Interstate Highway System was based on the German Autobahn system, which Eisenhower learned of and studied after World War II, when Germany was under Allied occupation.
Why are Germans such good drivers? ›German drivers are especially good because of a strict licensing test system. To get a license in Germany, you are required to take tons of driving lessons, including several where you're taken on the actual Autobahn and put into real, high-speed traffic.
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.
What can't you do on the Autobahn? ›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.
How do people not crash on the autobahn? ›Slower traffic to the right and faster to the left avoids a lot of dangerous situations, road rages, and faster traffic having to slalom between lanes. See and learn, US.
Is it illegal to run out of gas on the German autobahn in Germany? ›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.
Which state drives the fastest? ›It may come as no surprise that Texas retains its title as the speediest state, as it continues to lay claim to the nation's highest speed limit: 85 mph. The Lone Star State became the first to post an 85-mph limit four years ago on a 91-mile stretch of toll road between San Antonio and Austin.
Can you really drive as fast as you want on the Autobahn? ›
SPEED LIMIT ON THE AUTOBAHN IN GERMANY
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. Yes, as fast as you want!
The 10 MPH Myth (And Why It's Wrong)
Perhaps you've heard that myth that it's fine to drive 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. Unfortunately, this rule of thumb is just that: a myth. It's important to acknowledge that not every police officer will be such a stickler for the rules.
- No passing on the right (except in slow-moving traffic)
- Always double-check your side-view mirror before moving into the left-hand lane.
- Slower traffic stays to the right.
- Always use your indicators, even for passing.
- Stick to the speed limit (more details below)
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.
What is the minimum speed on the Autobahn in the fast lane? ›2.2 Minimum Required Speed on Autobahn
Vehicles, which are not capable of maintaining a speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) are not allowed on the Autobahn. For example, agriculture machines, tractors, mopeds, electric scooters, or quads with top speeds of less than 60 km/h are not allowed on the Autobahn.
Most sections of Germany's autobahns have two or three, sometimes four lanes in each direction in addition to an emergency lane (hard shoulder). A few sections have only two lanes in each direction without emergency lanes, and short slip-roads and ramps.
How do I know when I am on the autobahn? ›- From this point on, it's important to stay in the right lane unless overtaking. ...
- 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.
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?
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.
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.
Why can't America have an Autobahn? ›
In more or less decreasing order of importance, why America cannot handle high-speed autobahn-type freeways: Car control. It's too easy to get a driver's license in America, i.e., formal car control courses are not required and are required for speeds greater than 70 or 80 mph / 130 kph.
Do you have to pay to drive on the Autobahn? ›Contents. In Germany, if you are driving a car or a vehicle weighing less than 7.5 tonnes, you will need to buy a vignette. If you are driving a truck, motorhome, HGV or any other vehicle over 7.5 tonnes, you have to use OBU to pay tolls to Toll Collect.
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.