Germany is one of the few countries in the world where licensed drivers can drive as fast as their car will let them, namely in the left lane of the Autobahn. There is no general speed limitation on more than 60% of the German Autobahn. The only other European country that currently has no speed limit is the Isle of Man, between England and Ireland.
What is the Autobahn?
The Autobahn consists of long-distance highways, which serve to significantly accelerate traffic. In general, it is two directional roads, each with several lanes. An Autobahn has to have at least two lanes in each direction. In addition, this also includes an emergency lane on the right. The lanes of newer Autobahn routes are separated by an extra-wide middle strip, in which passive protective devices such as concrete walls or steel barriers are placed. Another important feature of the Autobahn is that the flowing traffic on the highway is not hindered since crossroads are connected via bridges and underpasses.
Did the Germans Invent the Autobahn Concept?
No. After WWI ended, motorization in Germany increased. However, this development was not matched by the road network in Germany at the time. Germans looked at another country that already had a highway system developed: Italy, where the first Italian "Autostrada" connected the city of Milan with the city of Varese in 1924. It was not until August 1932, when the former mayor of Cologne (and later Chancellor) Konrad Adenauer opened the first ‘crossing-free road for motor vehicles’ between the German cities of Cologne and Bonn, today's A 555. This road was designed for vehicle speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph), although most cars of that time could not reach that high of a speed. Autobahn highways quickly expanded until 1939, then WWII breaks out.
Did Hitler Build the German Autobahn?
No, and no other Nazi propaganda has been so obstinate as the assertion that Adolf Hitler was the first to build the Autobahn, and thereby eliminate mass unemployment. In truth, the Autobahn existed before Adolf Hitler gained power, and was opened in 1932, as mentioned earlier.
However, the Nazi Party accelerated the Autobahn construction during their reign. On September 23, 1933, just half a year after Hitler had become Chancellor of the German Reich, he began the groundbreaking ceremony for the "Reichsautobahn" from Frankfurt via Darmstadt and Mannheim to Heidelberg. With great propaganda support, the Nazis celebrated their "leader" as inventor and forerunner of this supposedly revolutionary novelty.
The Autobahn After WWII and Today
Until about 1955, the newly-created Federal Republic of Germany was preoccupied in the removal or repairing of war-damaged roads. Today, the German Autobahn is the 4th largest highway system in the world (after China, the USA and Spain). Driving on the Autobahn is serious business and requires your full attention at speeds well over 100 miles per hour. Abide by the general rule, that slower traffic stays to the right, the left lane is reserved for fast traffic. If you are going slow in the left lane, German drivers will flash their headlights, tailgate and honk at you, incessantly. And in case you are looking to rent a car in Germany, sign up for our email newsletter and get a free pdf about what to consider when renting a car in Germany
Why is There No Speed Limit on the Autobahn?
There is an advisory speed limit of 130 km/h (81 mph) on all parts of the Autobahn, unless otherwise posted. If you cause an accident going over, let’s say, 200 km/h (125 mph), you can be held accountable for going over the speed limit and your insurance might not pay the full coverage amount for you.
A general speed limit for the Autobahn has been an issue for decades and is a hot topic for Germans and German politicians. Supporters of a general speed limit argue with less accidents, better traffic flow and less emissions, while opponents cite low accident statistics and the slogan “Freie Fahrt fuer freie Buerger”, which translates to “free passage for free citizens”. The German car lobby (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, VW, Audi) and the German automobile club ADAC with over 19 million members reject a speed limitation (and keep in mind that Germany has about 82 million citizens, which means about every 4th German is an ADAC member).
What is your opinion? Should there be a speed limit in the Autobahn? Or should every driver be able to go as fast as they want, when the road is dry and not many other motorists are around?
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