Facts About the Autobahn

The autobahn generally refers to the highway system in Germany, although Switzerland and Austria also have autobahns. Similar to American highways, the autobahn has limited entrance and exit points, and only motorized vehicles that can travel 60 km per hour, or 37 miles per hour, are allowed on the autobahn.

Speed

In general, there is no speed limit on the autobahn, except for some treacherous stretches of roadway. The German government recommends a speed limit of 130 km per hour, or 81 miles per hour. Lower speed limits are enforced for some types of vehicles, such as buses.

Length

Only the United States and China have highway systems that surpass Germany's autobahn, which is 12,200 km long.

Safety Record

Compared with other European nations, Germany's autobahn is relatively safe. Studies have shown the rate of fatal accidents is no higher in stretches without speed limits than in speed-restricted areas.

Tolls

The German autobahn is free for passenger cars, but heavy trucks are required to pay tolls.

Stopping

It is illegal to run out of gas while driving on the autobahn, and drivers who do can be fined. It is also illegal to stop for any reason on the autobahn with the exception of being in a collision.