How fast can you legally go on the Autobahn?

On Germany’s Autobahn, you can legally drive faster than 130 km/h (about 81 mph) only on sections without a posted limit; however, a recommended speed of 130 km/h applies everywhere and many stretches do have mandatory limits. In practice, your legal top speed depends on signage, traffic and weather conditions, and your vehicle type, with potential liability if you crash above 130 km/h even where no limit is posted.

What “no speed limit” really means

Germany’s Autobahn is famous for sections with no general speed limit, but that does not mean “anything goes.” The country’s recommended speed (Richtgeschwindigkeit) is 130 km/h. Driving faster than 130 km/h is lawful where no limit is posted, yet if you’re involved in a crash above that speed, courts may assign you partial liability (Mitverschulden) even if you weren’t otherwise at fault. Separately, the road rules require a speed appropriate to conditions; police can penalize “inappropriate speed” during rain, fog, traffic, or poor visibility, even in unlimited zones.

Key points at a glance

The following highlights summarize how speed rules work on the Autobahn and what drivers should expect in typical situations.

• No general limit: Some stretches have no posted maximum; you may legally drive above 130 km/h there.
• Recommended speed: 130 km/h (81 mph) applies network-wide; exceeding it can increase civil liability after a crash.
• Posted limits override: Electronic or static signs (e.g., 80/100/120/130 km/h) are legally binding.
• Variable controls: Speed limits often change dynamically for traffic flow, weather, emissions, or construction.
• Appropriate speed rule: You must always drive at a speed adapted to conditions (StVO §3), regardless of limits.
• Vehicle categories matter: Trucks, buses, and vehicles with trailers face lower maximums even on unlimited sections.
• Autobahn access: Only vehicles capable of at least 60 km/h under normal conditions may use the Autobahn.

Taken together, these principles mean your lawful maximum is either the posted limit or, on unrestricted stretches, whatever speed remains safe and prudent given conditions, with 130 km/h as the legal benchmark for liability.

Where and when limits apply

While a substantial portion of the Autobahn network has no permanent general speed limit, many kilometers are regulated at least part-time. Electronic gantries frequently lower limits for congestion, rain, fog, air quality, or accidents. Construction zones and urban approaches almost always carry strict limits, and temporary limits during holidays or peak periods are common.

Typical posted limits you’ll encounter

These are the most common speed limits drivers see on the Autobahn, along with the contexts in which they are likely to appear.

• 80 km/h: Construction zones, tunnels, sharp curves, or severe weather management.
• 100 km/h: Transitional sections, busy junctions, or safety corridors.
• 120–130 km/h: Heavily trafficked corridors, urban perimeters, or environmental controls.
• Variable limits (electronic signs): Adjusted in real time for traffic density, weather, and incidents; these are enforceable when displayed.
• Advisory limits (yellow or with supplementary panels): Guidance only; mandatory limits are white circular signs with a red border.

If in doubt, follow the last posted sign and watch for electronic displays; when the “end of all restrictions” sign appears, the recommended 130 km/h applies unless otherwise indicated.

Vehicle-specific maximums

Not all vehicles may take advantage of unrestricted sections. German law sets lower maxima for certain categories irrespective of whether a stretch is otherwise unlimited.

• Passenger cars (PKW) and motorcycles up to 3.5 t: No general limit on unrestricted sections; 130 km/h recommended.
• Cars with trailers: 80 km/h; up to 100 km/h permitted only with “Tempo 100” approval for the towing car, trailer, and tires.
• Trucks (Lkw) over 3.5 t: 80 km/h maximum.
• Buses/coaches: Generally 100 km/h if appropriately equipped; with trailers typically 80 km/h.
• Motorhomes: Up to 3.5 t treated like cars; above 3.5 t often limited (commonly 100 km/h), depending on classification.

Check your vehicle’s registration and any special approvals; these limits apply even where the roadway itself has no posted maximum.

Enforcement, fines, and liability

Speed cameras and patrols enforce posted limits, and civil liability rules shape what happens after crashes in unlimited zones. You cannot be fined for “speeding” on a truly unrestricted section, but you can be cited for driving too fast for conditions or for dangerous driving.

Current fine levels for speeding (outside built-up areas)

The following ranges reflect typical federal fines as of 2025 for exceeding a posted limit on the Autobahn (which is considered outside built-up areas). Exact penalties can vary with circumstances.

• Up to 10 km/h over: €20
• 11–15 km/h over: €40
• 16–20 km/h over: €60
• 21–25 km/h over: €100 and 1 point (Flensburg)
• 26–30 km/h over: €150 and 1 point
• 31–40 km/h over: €200 and 1 point
• 41–50 km/h over: €320, 2 points, 1-month suspension
• 51–60 km/h over: €480, 2 points, 1-month suspension
• 61–70 km/h over: €600, 2 points, 2-month suspension
• Over 70 km/h: €700, 2 points, 3-month suspension

Separately, a repeat offense of 26 km/h or more over the limit within 12 months can trigger a one-month driving ban. Above 130 km/h in an unrestricted zone, you’re within the law on speed but may face shared liability if a crash occurs, which can affect insurance payouts.

Practical tips for safe, legal Autobahn driving

Even experienced drivers benefit from a few reminders before venturing onto high-speed, mixed-traffic corridors like the Autobahn.

• Keep right except when overtaking; pass on the left only.
• Observe variable limits and lane-control signals; they change quickly.
• Mind closing speeds; check mirrors diligently before changing lanes.
• Increase following distance at higher speeds; stopping distances grow exponentially.
• Plan for weather: rain and fog can make “unlimited” effectively unsafe.
• Respect vehicle limits: tires, brakes, and trailers have speed ratings and legal caps.
• Avoid lingering in the left lane; it’s illegal to block faster traffic.

Good lane discipline and situational awareness are essential at Autobahn velocities, where small mistakes can escalate quickly.

Summary

You can legally drive faster than 130 km/h on the Autobahn only where no speed limit is posted; the 130 km/h benchmark is a recommended speed that remains crucial for liability if a crash occurs. Many sections carry mandatory, often variable limits, and certain vehicles have lower maxima regardless of signage. Drive at a speed appropriate to conditions, watch for changing signs, and remember that safe, courteous lane use is as important as the number on the speedometer.