AUTOBAHN(S) OF GERMANY 🇩🇪

Experience the thrill of the legendary German autobahn, where speed meets precision. Learn everything you need to know—from speed limits to etiquette—before you hit the road!

SPEED LIMIT ON THE AUTOBAHN IN GERMANY

The German government recommends a maximum speed of 130 kilometres per hour (around 80 mph) on autobahns, but drivers are still free to push the limits in de-restricted sections. That’s right—there’s no speed limit in certain areas!

Embark on the ultimate Autobahn Driving Adventure and experience the thrill of limitless speed in cobination with a visit to the Porsche Museum and three German Castles.

Today, nearly half of the autobahn network in Germany is subject to speed limits, typically in areas near towns, on narrow sections, or in locations considered hazardous. However, Germany remains the only country in the world where motorways still have no general speed limit—at least for now.

Over the years, numerous proposals to introduce a universal speed limit on autobahns have sparked heated debate. Yet, these efforts consistently stall, as politicians fear losing voter support and clashing with Germany's influential car lobby.

DERESTRICTED AREAS ON THE AUTOBAHN IN GERMANY

Maximizing Your Autobahn Experience: What to Know Before You Drive

For now, unrestricted stretches of the German autobahn still exist, marked by the iconic “end of all speed bans” sign: a white circle crossed by four thin black lines. These de-restricted sections offer the unique thrill of limitless driving—within reason, of course.

Timing Your Autobahn Adventure

Debates about the best time and place to drive the autobahn are endless. Online forums overflow with conflicting opinions, but one thing is clear: there’s no simple answer. Road conditions on the autobahn can change rapidly due to necessary maintenance, updates, and construction. A perfect drive today could transform into a frustrating traffic jam tomorrow.

To enhance your experience, avoid driving during the coldest months of December through February. Ice and snow don’t mix well with high-speed driving. Also, remember that the autobahn should be part of your journey, not the main attraction. Flexible planning is key to a smooth trip.

Where to Drive Unrestricted Autobahn Stretches

While de-restricted sections are becoming less common, many still exist. Here are some of the most popular stretches with no general speed limit:

A14 — Leipzig to Dresden
A44 — Dortmund to Kassel
A24 — Berlin to Hamburg (longest stretch at 150 km)
A09 — Berlin to Leipzig
A06 — Frankfurt to Freiburg
A07 — Aalen to Würzburg
A20 — Lübeck to Greifswald

A full, regularly updated list of unrestricted autobahn stretches can be found at autobahnspeedhunter.com.

Porsche GT4 driving fast on the German autobahn

REALITY ABOUT DRIVING ON THE GERMAN AUTOBAHN

The German Autobahn holds a unique fascination, blending legends and speed fantasies—though often far removed from reality. Contrary to popular belief, the Autobahn is not a high-speed playground for speed enthusiasts. It is a vital public and economic infrastructure that serves as Germany’s primary road network. As a major transit country, Germany experiences heavy traffic, especially on popular highway stretches and near large cities. Traffic jams are frequent, making good planning, research, and a focus on safety essential for a smooth driving experience. Beyond its high road quality and relatively few speed limits, another factor makes Germany particularly popular for driving: its borders with nine neighboring countries. It’s common to see cars with license plates from across Europe using Germany as a transit route. Interestingly, while Germans must pay tolls when driving in neighboring countries, Germany’s highways remain free for vehicles under 7.5 tons. Efforts to introduce a toll on the Autobahn have been blocked, largely because the proposed system aimed to charge only foreigners while reimbursing Germans through vehicle tax adjustments—a plan struck down by the EU court. For now, only trucks are required to pay tolls, even as surrounding countries enforce charges on their highways.

HISTORY OF THE AUTOBAHN

Giving credit to Hitler and his regime for the autobahn system is a misconception rooted in Nazi propaganda that persists to this day. While the first official stretch of autobahn in Germany was completed in 1934 between Bonn and Cologne, the origins of Germany's highway network predate the Nazi era. The very first highway in Germany was built between 1913 and 1921 near Berlin as an experimental project. Known as the Avus, it also served as a racetrack and remains part of the modern autobahn system. As of 2016, Germany’s autobahn network spans an impressive 12,993 kilometers (8,073 miles), a testament to decades of development and engineering excellence.

GENERAL SAFETY ON THE AUTOBAHN

In Germany, the concept of freedom is often associated with the ability to drive at high speeds on the autobahn, much like the right to own firearms in the United States. Both freedoms carry inherent risks. German drivers undergo a rigorous licensing process that includes comprehensive lessons, practical experience on the autobahn, and training under real conditions to understand high-speed driving. The process also involves a challenging multiple-choice exam and a road test, with many candidates not passing on their first attempt. Additionally, vehicles are subject to regular inspections to ensure they meet safety standards for German roads. While safety has traditionally been the primary argument for implementing an autobahn speed limit, recent discussions have increasingly focused on climate change. This shift reflects a growing environmental consciousness among German voters, leading to greater support for the Green Party. Notably, Germany's largest motoring association, the ADAC, has softened its opposition to a general speed limit, indicating a potential shift in public opinion.

AUTOBAHN ETIQUETTE:

SAFETY RULES FOR THE GERMAN AUTOBAHN

If you're not committed to responsible driving, consider heading to a racetrack where the only person at risk is yourself. On the autobahn, caution and responsibility are paramount.

Key Autobahn Rules and Tips:

Drive Responsibly: Reckless driving and excessive speeding are dangerous and not tolerated. Police may be rare on the autobahn, but the authorities take dangerous behavior seriously. German drivers often report tourists using the autobahn irresponsibly, especially if they notice a rental car’s plates or identifying barcodes.
Overtaking Etiquette:
- Rule No. 1: Overtaking on the right is strictly forbidden. Always pass slower vehicles on the left.
- The left lane is for overtaking only. Once you’ve overtaken, return to the right lane.
- Complete overtaking only when you can see the overtaken car fully in your rear-view mirror.
Flashing Headlights: If a car flashes its beams behind you, it means you’re too slow and holding up faster traffic. Stay calm, swallow your pride, and move to the right lane.
Maintain Safe Distances: Use the "21-22 rule" to maintain distance. Pick a roadside marker, and when the car ahead passes it, count "21, 22." If you reach the marker before finishing, you're too close.
Shoulder Check ("Schulterblick"): Before changing lanes, always check over your shoulder for oncoming traffic. Combine this with checking your side and rear-view mirrors to avoid vehicles in your blind spot, especially fast-moving ones like AMGs or Porsches.
Use Indicators and Hazard Lights: Always signal your intentions. If you need to brake hard or approach the end of a traffic jam, use your hazard lights to alert drivers behind you.
Obey Speed Limits: High-speed driving requires attentiveness to all road signs. Missing them is a sign you're driving too fast.
Blend with Traffic: If you're new to the autobahn, go with the flow. Follow local driving patterns and avoid unnecessary risks or standing out. This can also help you dodge fines from speed cameras.
Take Regular Breaks: Driving at high speeds is exhausting. Rest every 40-60 kilometers at one of the many gas stations, restaurants, or rest stops along the way. Never push your fuel level too low—long stretches without stations can catch you off guard.

By adhering to these guidelines, you'll ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience on Germany’s iconic autobahn.