Autobahn tunnel (left) and valley bridge (right)

Traffic regulations

To safely facilitate heavy, high-speed traffic, special laws apply when driving on the Autobahn:

• Bicycles, mopeds, and pedestrians are specifically prohibited from using the Autobahn, as are any other vehicles with a maximum speed rating of less than 60 km/h (36 mph).
• Passing on the right is strictly prohibited!  Slower vehicles must move to the right to allow faster traffic to pass, and drivers should stay in the right lane except to pass.  When passing, you must do so as quickly as possible, and it's in your best interest to do so lest you become a hood ornament on that Porsche that was just a speck in your mirror a second ago and now is close enough for you to see the look of distain on the driver's face.  You are, however, allowed to pass on the right in heavy traffic when vehicles have started queuing, but only at a slow speed.
• Stopping, parking, U-turns, and backing-up are strictly verboten, including on shoulders and ramps (except for emergencies, of course.)
• Entering and exiting is permitted only at marked interchanges.
• Traffic entering the Autobahn must yield to traffic already on the Autobahn.
• During traffic jams, motorists in the left lane are required to move as far to the left as possible and those in the adjacent center or right lane must move as far to the right in their lane as possible, thus creating a gap between the lanes for emergency vehicles to pass through.
• If you have a breakdown or accident, you must move to the shoulder if possible and place a warning triangle 200 meters behind the scene.  You must report the incident to the authorities using the nearest emergency phone (see below).
• It is illegal to run out of fuel on the Autobahn.  Technically, there is no law specifically against this, but it is illegal to stop unnecessarily on the Autobahn and this law is also applied to people who run out of fuel as such an occurrence is deemed to be preventable.
• There are no tolls for passenger vehicles to use the Autobahn.  However, trucks now must pay a per-kilometer fee.  This fee is collected electronically.

In addition to the official laws, most drivers follow the following customs:

• Motorists at the rear of a traffic jam usually switch on their hazard blinkers to warn approaching traffic of the slowdown.
• Many drivers flash their high beams or switch on their left turn signal to politely (or not) request that you vacate the left lane to let them pass.  There are conflicting opinions about whether this is legal or not and why, but there are reports that drivers have been cited for doing this.  While there is no specific law regarding this, it appears that such actions can be construed to violate Germany's coercion laws, so do so at your own risk.

Four-lane Autobahn section

Speed limits

Despite the widespread belief of complete freedom from speed limits (and a lobbying effort that has the same influence and deep pockets as the American gun lobby), some speed regulations can be found on the Autobahns.  Many sections do indeed have permanent or dynamic speed limits ranging from 80 to 130 km/h (50-80 mph), particularly those with dangerous curves, in urban areas, near major interchanges, or with unusually constant heavy traffic.  In construction zones, the limit may be as low as 60 km/h (37 mph).  Also, some sections now feature nighttime and wet-weather speed restrictions, and trucks are always regulated (see table below).  Still, about two-thirds of the Autobahn network has no speed permanent limit, although there is always an advisory limit of 130 km/h (81 mph).  This recommendation is generally seen for what it is-- an attempt by the government to cover itself without having to upset millions of Porsche and BMW owners (AKA voters.)  However, if you exceed the advisory limit and are involved in an accident, you could be responsible for some of the damage costs even if you are not at fault.

MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS (These are "default" limits; where posted, signs override these limits)

Some vehicles may be exempted from the 80 km/h limit above.  A decal resembling a speed limit sign displayed on the back of a vehicle indicates that it is exempt from the general limit and may travel the speed indicated on the label, usually 100 km/h.

Over 3,200 km of Autobahn now feature dynamic speed limits which are adjusted to respond to traffic, weather, and road conditions.  These speed limits and conditions are indicated using a rather elaborate system of electronic signs (see below).

A movement by the environmentalist Green party to enact a national speed limit has not made great strides.  The Greens claim that the high speeds contribute to air pollution which has caused widespread Waldsterben, or forest destruction.  Some Autobahns in forest areas have seen new limits imposed, but a national limit remains unlikely, as demonstrated during the coalition government negotiations in 1998.  In those talks between the then-new Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's Social Democrat party and the Greens, one of the final points to be resolved was the Greens' desire for a nationwide 100 km/h speed limit on the Autobahns.  In the end, a compromise was struck whereby energy taxes would be raised and local governments could reduce speed limits on city streets, but no national Autobahn speed limit would be implemented. 

A national speed limit of 100 km/h (60 mph) was enacted in November 1973 during the energy crisis. It was repealed less than four months later.

Accident rates
Despite the prevailing high speeds, the accident, injury and death rates on the Autobahn are remarkably low.  The Autobahn carries about a third of all Germany's traffic, but injury accidents on the Autobahn account for only 6% of such accidents nationwide and less than 12% of all traffic fatalities were the result of Autobahn crashes (2004).  In fact, the annual fatality rate (3.2 per billion km in 2004) is consistently lower than that of most other superhighway systems, including the US Interstates (5.0 in 2003).

Traffic

Because of Germany's location in central Europe, traffic on the Autobahn is generally quite heavy.  In 2004, motorists logged a staggering 218.9 billion kilometers on the Autobahn, averaging almost 50,000 vehicles per day on any given segment.  As a result, traffic jams (Stau) occur frequently on the Autobahn, especially on Fridays, Sundays, holidays, and anytime after an accident or during bad weather or construction.  Regional traffic reports, with a variety of names including Verkehrsmeldungen, Verkehrsdienst, Verkehrsfunk, and Stauschau, are excellent and are provided on most radio stations.  Germany is divided into several traffic reporting regions (Verkehrsrundfunkbereich); signs along the road indicate the local radio stations carrying the traffic reports for the region you are in.  You will need to have a working knowledge of German to understand them, though. 

In addition to radio traffic reports, many sections of Autobahn are equipped with traffic monitoring systems and electronic signs (see below) to warn of downstream incidents or congestion and to reduce the speed of traffic as it approaches the jam.  On sections without electronic signs, the Autobahn police (Autobahnpolizei) do an excellent job of warning of unexpected jams via portable signs, signs mounted on police cars parked along the shoulder, or on banners draped from overpasses.  Traffic information is also available from several other resources including the websites of radio and TV stations, auto clubs, and government agencies, and increasingly through on-board telematics systems.

Typical weekend and holiday Autobahn traffic

A couple of notes about traffic reports: sometimes the "traffic report" may include information that has nothing to do with traffic such as emergency alerts, police bulletins, etc.  Also, if you have a German rental car with a cassette or CD player, don't be surprised if your Falco tape or disc is interrupted by reports of a Stau somewhere-- German radio tuners continue to monitor the last-selected radio station even when a tape or CD is being played.  Radio stations broadcast a special tone at the start of traffic reports which causes the tuner to switch the audio from the tape or CD to the radio so that you can hear the information.  Traffic reports use one of several terms to describe varying levels of congestion: "Stau" usually means a colossal traffic jam where you'll probably get to know the people in the cars around you, "stockender Verkehr" indicates the only  slightly more tolerable stacking or slow-and-go type traffic, while "dichter Verkehr" or "zähfliesender Verkehr" denotes the hardly-noteworthy heavy or sluggish but moving traffic.

As a stopgap measure to help improve traffic flow, traffic is now being permitted to use the emergency shoulder as a traffic lane during congested periods along some sections of Autobahn.  Lane control signals, signs, or other cars doing so indicate when this is permissible.

Congested Autobahn with shoulder open to traffic

Construction & closures

Autobahn maintenance and improvements don't escape the German penchant for obsessiveness.  As a result, construction zones (Baustelle) are frequent and widespread.  The standard protocol for large projects is a traffic shift-- the lanes for both directions are narrowed and crammed onto one side of the Autobahn so that the other side can be worked on in its entirety.  Such situations are well-marked with signs and speed limits are usually reduced greatly in these areas.

Autobahn construction area
Note the yellow road markings. These supersede all regular markings in work zones.

In the event that a segment of Autobahn must be closed due to an accident or other emergency, pre-posted provisional detours are ready to guide traffic around the closure.  As you exit, look for the U-numbered detour sign on the exit ramp-- this denotes the detour route for that exit.  Follow the same-numbered route over the secondary roads and you'll eventually arrive at the next downstream entrance ramp.  If that entrance is also closed, just follow the next sequential detour number to reach the next entrance after that.  However, there is one small gotcha-- odd numbers continue in one direction, even numbers in the opposite direction.  So if you're following an odd numbered route, be sure to follow the next sequential odd number (and, obviously the same goes for even-numbered routes.)  These routes also come in quite handy if your patience runs-out and you want to get around a Stau.

Service areas

The Autobahn has an extensive system of service areas (Rasthof, Raststätte) generally spaced between 40 and 60 kilometers apart.  These usually feature a filling station (Tankstelle), restaurant or snack bar, convenience store, telephones, and restrooms.  Many also feature hotels, showers, playgrounds, conference rooms, and chapels.  There are over 700 service areas in operation and they're open 24 hours a day.  A brochure with maps and charts showing the network of service areas and the facilities available at each can be obtained at any service area and is also available on the web (see links below).

Autobahn service area

Signs announcing the approach of a service area give the name of the service area, the distance to it, and one or more pictograms indicating the services available there:

Fuel	Restaurant	Snack bar	Hotel

Service area approach sign
The white sign at the bottom indicates the distance to the next service area.

Smaller parking areas, many equipped with restrooms (WC), are even more abundant along the Autobahn.  These are marked with signs like the one below.

Approach sign for parking area w/ WC

The past couple of decades has seen the proliferation of service facilities (mainly filling stations and fast-food restaurants) just off Autobahn exit ramps.  Especially increasing in popularity are truck stops (Autohof).  These generally offer facilities comparable to the service areas, but usually at considerably lower prices.  Most are now marked by special signs on the Autobahn like the one below.

Autohof announcement sign

Signs & markings

Signage on the Autobahn is excellent.  All direction signs on the Autobahn as well as those giving directions to the Autobahn are white on blue.  Signage before interchanges is standard both in form and placement. 

Overhead signs are being used increasingly more frequently.  These signs generally take on the forms shown in the various pictures below.  Note that the route number shields are typically located at the bottom of the signs rather than at the top like in the US.  Drivers should also be aware that unlike the US, directions on the Autobahn (as well as other roads) are not given using the cardinal directions (North, South, East, West), but rather by destination cities.  Know what the major cities are along your route before you start out.  A helpful idiosyncrasy is the tendency to list major cities on signs for connecting Autobahns that lead toward the route that will actually take you to that city.  The most important cities start appearing on signs hundreds of kilometers away.  One other peculiarity is that when several cities are listed, the farthest city is generally listed first or on top; in the US, it's usually the opposite.  The last place listed is usually the name of the next exit.  Finally, you may come across names that include a one or two letter abbreviation (e.g. "S-Degerloch" or "HH-Zentrum"); these correspond to the official license plate registration city abbreviations and indicate an exit for a district or other destination in that city.  So "S-Degerloch" would be the exit for "Stuttgart-Degerloch" while "HH-Zentrum" denotes "Hamburg-Zentrum", or "downtown Hamburg".

Advance guide signs for Autobahn crossing	Typical overhead advance guide sign for exit
Exit signs at Autobahn crossing	Overhead "butterfly" exit signs

Autobahns bear a one, two, or three digit number with an "A" prefix (e.g. A8); however, the "A" is not shown on signs.  The one and two digit numbers indicate mainline routes; three digit routes are spurs.  Route numbers are assigned by region (e.g. the area around Munich is region 9, so most Autobahns in that area start with 9) and even-numbered routes generally run east-west while odd-numbered routes north-south.  Route numbers for spurs and connectors usually start with the parent number followed by an additional digit or two to make three digits total (e.g. the A831 branches off of the A8; the A241 branches off of the A24.)  Route markers are an oblong white and blue hexagon:

Here are the main signs you will encounter:

Autobahn entrance Marks entrance ramps to the Autobahn and indicates the start of Autobahn traffic regulations This symbol is also used on signs giving directions to the Autobahn

Initial interchange approach sign Placed 1000 meters before exits; 2000 meters before Autobahn crossings Shows the interchange number and name The symbol indicates the type of interchange: Exit   Crossing

Advance interchange directional sign Placed 500 meters before exits; 1000 meters and 500 meters before Autobahn crossings Shows a schematic of the interchange and gives additional destinations and route numbers

Interchange countdown markers Placed 300 meters (3 stripes), 200 meters (2 stripes), and 100 meters (1 stripe) before the exit Interchange number appears atop the 300 meter marker

Exit sign Located at exit point Occasionally placed in the median When placed overhead, may be repeated several times above the exit lane

Exit sign Marks the exit ramp

Interchange number Shown on the initial interchange approach sign and on the first interchange countdown marker Interchanges are numbered sequentially

Provisional detour Marks a pre-posted detour route for use in the event that the Autobahn must be closed Follow the same-numbered route to return to the next Autobahn entrance Can also be used to bypass Autobahn congestion Odd numbers go in one direction, even numbers in the opposite direction

Provisional detour schematic Used to direct Autobahn traffic to the next sequential provisional detour route when traffic cannot return to the Autobahn at the next entrance

Alternate route Indicates a recommended alternate route on the Autobahn system for specific vehicles or destinations in order to avoid congestion Type of vehicle or destination will be shown in conjunction with this sign

Distance Sign Placed after every entrance Lists distances to major cities along the route Distances to other nearby major cities accessible from an intersecting Autobahn are listed at the bottom with the respective route number

End of Autobahn Sign Located on exit ramps from the Autobahn and indicates the end of Autobahn traffic regulations Also used to warn that the Autobahn ends ahead

Examples of diagram signs for complex interchanges

Pavement markings on the Autobahn are fairly obvious. You can see examples of several of these in the picture below and on other pictures on this page:

• Solid white line: Marks the left edge of the road or, on the right side, marks the inside of the shoulder or the right edge of the road.  Also used sometimes between traffic lanes to indicate that changing lanes is not allowed.
• Long, thin broken white lines: Separate traffic lanes.
• Short, thick broken white lines: Separate a deceleration (exit) lane or acceleration (entrance) lane from the main traffic lanes.
• V-diagonal markings: Mark the restricted area at an exit gore.
• Yellow markings: Used in construction zones and supersede all regular white markings.

See the Signs and Signals page for complete information on German road signs and markings.

In addition to marking lanes closed by accidents or construction, lane control signals are used in some areas to close lanes to help reduce congestion at interchanges.  For instance, if there is significantly heavier traffic merging from Autobahn 1 onto Autobahn 2, the right lane on Autobahn 2 will be closed to provide an unobstructed lane for the heavier traffic to merge into.

Electronic signs showing left lane closed ahead and 100km speed limit in open lanes

When different speed limits are shown on a single gantry, the limit shown applies to the lane under the sign.  In the example below, the speed limit in the left lane would be 120 km/h, 100 km/h in the center lane, and 80 km/h in the right lane.

Over 1,700 km of Autobahn are part of dynamic alternate route systems.  These systems employ changeable guide signs which, when activated, display recommended alternate route guidance to help drivers avoid congestion.  Some areas employ "substitutive routing" where the destinations shown on the standard blue guide signs are changed using mechanical panels to re-route traffic onto different routes.  In other areas, "additive routing" is utilized.  In this case, the regular blue guide signs are static, but additional white signs with changeable panels and the big orange "alternate route" arrow symbol are used.  The arrow points in the recommended direction to follow along with the destination city, route number, or vehicle types (e.g. trucks) that the suggested alternate route applies to.  For instance, in the picture below, traffic headed to Deggendorf and the Munich airport is being advised to exit in 1200 meters and follow the A99 and A92.  Once you are on one of these alternate routes, continue to follow alternate route arrow signs until you have reached your destination or have returned to the original route.  Note that many times much of the alternate route is marked by permanent static signs, but a dynamic sign is used at the initial "decision point". 

Changeable sign showing recommended alternate route

Emergencies

In the event of an accident, breakdown, or other emergency along the Autobahn, you are never more than a kilometer away from help.  Emergency telephones (Notrufsäule) are located at 2 km intervals along the sides of the road.  The direction to the nearest phone is indicated by small arrows atop the roadside reflector posts.  In long tunnels, emergency phones are located in safe rooms every 100-200 meters.

Autobahn emergency phone

Roadside post with arrow pointing direction to nearest emergency phone

The emergency phone system was privatized several years ago.  All calls go to a central call center in Hamburg.  In the event of an accident, dispatchers there will immediately connect the caller to the nearest police or emergency services office.  For breakdowns, the dispatcher will obtain the information necessary to send the appropriate service.  This may include the "Yellow Angels" of the ADAC or AvD auto club, a tow truck, or an insurance, dealership, or rental car repair service.  Roadside assistance is free, but you'll likely have to pay for parts.  If you need to be towed, there is no charge to remove the vehicle from the Autobahn, but you will have to pay for towing beyond that.  If you're driving a rental car, all services should be covered by the rental agency.  Depending on the time of day, volume of calls, and traffic conditions, response time for a breakdown may vary from a few minutes to possibly over an hour.

There are now two varieties of emergency phones in use.  On the older phones, you will find a cover with a handle.  Lift the cover all the way and wait for a dispatcher to answer.  The newer phones don't have a cover; instead, they have an external speaker/microphone area with two buttons that you can press to connect you to the appropriate dispatcher.  There is a yellow button with a wrench symbol for reporting a breakdown and a red button with a red cross to report an accident.  Press the appropriate button and wait for a reply.  In most cases, the location of the phone is transmitted automatically when your call is connected.  If not, you will need to give the dispatcher the kilometer location of the phone as indicated on a label on the inside of the cover or near the speaker and your direction of travel.  For an accident, report the number of vehicles involved and any injuries.  For a breakdown, be prepared to report the vehicle's license number, make and model, color, and your auto club, insurance company, or rental agency.  An English-speaking dispatcher is usually available.

Man demonstrating how to use an
old-style emergency phone

After calling, return to your vehicle or the accident scene and wait for help.  For breakdowns, someone will arrive shortly to assist you.  In the event of an accident, a cavalry of emergency aid will descend on you.  Police, fire service, ambulances, and emergency doctors all respond to Autobahn crashes.  A medical evacuation helicopter is also always on standby.

Old-style emergency phone

New-style emergency phone

As seen on...

Some interesting websites that cite this page:

• National Geographic
• USAToday
• State of Bavaria

Additional information

• The German Way (by Hyde Flippo)
  http://www.german-way.com/german/
• German Autobahn Page (by Henning Maruhn)
  http://www.autobahn-online.de
• Autobahn Police
  http://www.autobahnpolizei.de
• Autobahn service area guide
  http://www.tank.rast.de
• German Federal Transport Ministry
  http://www.bmv.de/
• German Federal Highway Research Institute
  http://www.bast.de