Why does the autobahn have no speed limit? In 1934, the German government passed the Road Traffic Act, where speeds in urban areas were limited to 37 mph (60 km/h). However, no limit was established for rural roads or autobahns, and since then rules have remained similar.
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! (Still.)
In the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, a federal speed limit of 100 km/h (62 mph) on Autobahns was imposed to help save fuel and mitigate impending future shortages.
But the one thing Germany will not do, apparently, is put a general speed limit on the fabled autobahns, a proposal raised — and shot down — even though it could save gasoline and cut carbon dioxide emissions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Due to those Autobahns, Germany is considered a country without a general speed limit on its highways. The Isle of Man is the only jurisdiction without a general speed limit on rural two-lane roads.
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.
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.
As of 2018 the highest posted speed limit in the world is 160 km/h (99 mph), applied on two motorways in the UAE.
When setting maximum speed limits, most states and territories in Australia follow the model national road rules. Under these rules: Posted speed limits are capped at 110km/h. Where there is a no speed limit posted, default speed limits are 50km/h in built-up areas, and 100km/h in rural areas.
Today there is only one country in the world which has no speed limits at all – the Isle of Man – though famously there are areas of the German autobahns (motorways) which have only advisory speed limits known as 'richgeschwindigkeit'.
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.
The autobahns also have a minimum speed requirement: Vehicles must be able to maintain 60 kph (37 mph) on flat terrain. Some stretches have minimum speeds of 90 kph (56 mph) or 110 kph (68 mph) in certain lanes.
Organisation. Although the autobahns are federal roads, the Autobahnpolizei are always part of the state police (Landespolizei in Germany). In Switzerland, the state police (Kantonspolizei) is responsible for highway patrols as well.
Don't break down on the autobahn
However, it pays to double check your fuel gauge before entering the autobahn, as it's illegal to stop unnecessarily - and that includes if you run out of fuel, as this is deemed to be something you can easily prevent.
It is actually a driving offence to run out of petrol on some road networks in Germany. It is illegal to stop unnecessarily on the nation's super-fast Autobahn roads and chiefs say running out of petrol is not deemed important enough an excuse to escape punishment.
The roads are very well-maintained.
To accommodate higher speed traffic, Autobahn road surfaces are constructed with multiple layers of concrete. Autobahn roads are also inspected regularly for irregularities in the road surface or any damage.
Going really fast in your car can be an enjoyable experience and racing your friends can be even more fun. Unfortunately, you are not a professional race car driver, and you do not have the opportunity to drive on the German Autobahn, where sections of the road have no speed limit.
Only Sweden's roads are safer, with 25 road deaths per million people. Road traffic deaths have been falling in the EU for the past two decades. In 2001, there were 54,900 fatalities. By 2017, this had fallen to 25,300, which means the EU has the safest roads in the world.
In Australia, we have various speed limits depending on the type of road and level of pedestrian activity. The maximum legal speed a car can travel at is 130km/hour, which exists in a section of a highway in the Northern Territory.