Ever dreamed of cruising down the auto bahn with no speed limit in sight?  Driving in Germany can be a great way to see the country but doing so may get you a speeding ticket since contrary to popular belief there are usually speed limits on the auto bahn.  Before driving in Germany, some basic knowledge will help ensure a safe journey during your vacation in Germany.

I know what you’re thinking; the auto bahn has no speed limit right?  First, let’s make it clear what the auto bahn is.  It is any major highway, so there are many auto bahns in Germany.  So, back to the question, what is the speed limit on the auto bahn?  The short answer is it depends.  It is true that on some sections of the auto bahn there is no speed limit.  It is up to the driver to determine what is considered a safe speed given the conditions.  When it’s snowing and the road is icy, you will likely have difficulty convincing the policeman who pulls you over that 150 km (92 miles) per hour is a safe speed given the conditions. 

The other confusing thing about driving in Germany on the auto bahn is that the speed limit can change every few kilometres/miles.  Usually the speed limit is less, i.e.  100km (60 miles) per hour near major exits, even if you’re going straight and not taking the exit.  Then it may increase to 120 km (75 miles)per hour for a few more kilometres and then change again to no speed limit only to change again further down the auto bahn.  On some sections of the auto bahn the speed limit is determined by the road conditions and the number of cars on the road and changes frequently as indicated on the electronic signs overhead the autobahn.  Construction on the auto bahn is frequent and presents further changes in the speed limit.  Knowing what the speed limit is at any given time on the auto bahn takes diligence while driving in Germany. 

The signs on the auto bahn also present a challenge while driving in Germany.  When there is a speed limit it may be posted by a permanent sign on the side of the road which is easy enough to understand.  The no speed limit sign is indicated by the previous speed limit with two lines crossing out the number, indicating that the previous speed limit is finished, as shown in the photo on the right.  On sections of the auto bahn where the speed limit changes depending on the conditions, there will be electronic overhead signs every so often.  Driving in Germany requires looking for signs on both signs of the road and overhead so keep an eye out for all the road signs, of which there are many in Germany.

Also contrary to popular belief is that the auto bahn is fast.  If you ask a German how long it will take to go any distance of more than 100 km (60 miles), the answer will be “it depends on traffic”.  Traffic jams due to construction or accidents are notorious on the auto bahn and can have a significant impact on your travel time.  I was recently travelling a distance of ~250 km (155 miles) in northern Germany, a relatively short distance, at 10:30 pm on a Thursday night.  Traffic should be no problem right?  Wrong, we were delayed by over an hour and a half due to a traffic jam.  Such delays are not uncommon in Germany, so give yourself more time than you think you will need when driving in Germany.  Many Germans use GPS systems in their cars to identify where the traffic jams are in advance and to identify alternative routes.  You may also find a GPS system useful while driving in Germany.

While driving in Germany on the auto bahn you will also notice large brown signs that indicate places of interest. Unfortunately, there are no signs that provide further directions to the place of interest so if you are interested in visiting this place, have your GPS or a map handy.

There are two key types of rest stops along the auto bahn. A ``Restplatz`` usually has a few picnic benches and may or may not have simple toilet facilities. A ``Rasthaus`` will have a gas station, convenience store, German fast food (buffet style), some even have a Burger King or McDonalds and a cafe. Generally these are every 30 – 50 km (20-30 miles) or so along the auto bahn but there is no fixed distance between them.

There are hidden cameras on the auto bahn that you won’t see until you see the big flash behind you, so if you don’t want a speeding ticket, watch your speed in areas where a speed limit exists.

The blood alcohol level in Germany is .05 which is lower than in many other countries (Canada and the U.S.A. are both .08) so be aware of this since while you might be OK to drive in your own country, you may not pass a breathalyser test with the lower limit.

When driving in urban areas, the traffic lights are on the same side of the street as your car, not across the street as they are in Canada and the U.S.A. This takes some getting used to.

Also, the traffic lights may be both above the street and on the side of the street so again you will have to pay attention. You may see an arrow pointing left that is red above the street and a green light on the right side of the road. This means you have to stop if you are turning left, but can go if you are going straight. I find it rather confusing at times.

Right turns are not allowed at a red light in Germany, which is different than in Canada and the U.S.A. so be aware of this or you can get a rather large ticket for this.

Finally, Germans are aggressive drivers. As soon as the light turns green (it goes from red to yellow, then green), Germans have their foot on the gas pedal so be prepared to go or risk being rear ended by the driver behind you.

Safe travels on the auto bahn and while driving in Germany! Auf Wiedersehen!