How Fast Can You Drive on Germany’s Autobahn?

On unrestricted sections of Germany’s Autobahn, there is no fixed highest speed for cars and motorcycles—drivers may travel as fast as conditions safely allow—though a recommended speed of 130 km/h (about 81 mph) applies. Many stretches do have posted limits, typically 100–130 km/h, and lower statutory caps apply to vehicles like trucks, buses, and cars towing trailers. Here’s how the rules, limits, and real-world practices work today.

How the Autobahn’s speed rules work

Germany’s road code (StVO §3) requires speeds to be adapted to traffic, weather, visibility, and vehicle condition. Where no speed limit is posted on the Autobahn, cars and motorcycles are not subject to a general cap, but a “Richtgeschwindigkeit” (advisory speed) of 130 km/h applies. Exceeding 130 is legal on those stretches, yet it can affect liability in a crash and police can sanction “inappropriate speed” if your driving endangers others.

Unrestricted sections

On clearly marked, unrestricted sections—often signaled by the end-of-restrictions sign—drivers may legally travel at very high speeds if it is safe. That still means maintaining full control, adequate following distance, clear visibility, and tires rated for the speed. In the event of a collision above 130 km/h, courts and insurers may assign a share of fault due to increased risk, even if no numeric limit was in place.

Where limits apply

Large portions of the Autobahn do carry limits because of construction, congestion, noise and emissions rules, or dynamic traffic control. Typical posted limits are 80, 100, 120, or 130 km/h, often managed by overhead signs that change with conditions. These limits are actively enforced by fixed and mobile cameras and by police patrols.

Maximum speeds by vehicle type on the Autobahn

The following list outlines the legal maximums or common constraints by vehicle category, which continue to apply even on unrestricted sections. These rules ensure that heavier or less stable vehicles don’t travel at speeds that raise disproportionate risk.

• Cars and motorcycles: No general speed limit on unrestricted Autobahn sections; advisory 130 km/h. Must always adjust to conditions and vehicle capabilities.
• Cars towing trailers (including caravans): Generally 80 km/h; up to 100 km/h with approved “Tempo-100” certification for the car, trailer, and tires.
• Light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 t: Same as cars—no general limit on unrestricted sections—but must remain safe and compliant with posted limits.
• Trucks over 3.5 t and vehicles over 3.5 t towing trailers: 80 km/h maximum on Autobahns.
• Buses and coaches: Typically 100 km/h maximum if certain safety equipment (e.g., seat belts) is present; otherwise lower limits may apply.
• Hazardous-goods transports and special transports: Often 80 km/h or lower, depending on permit conditions.
• Tire speed rating rule (all vehicles): You must not exceed your tires’ certified speed rating; if winter tires have a lower rating, a driver-visible reminder and adherence to the lower speed are required.

These category rules mean that, even where a stretch is “unlimited,” not all vehicles may legally exploit the absence of a posted cap. Drivers should check their vehicle documents and equipment ratings before traveling at higher speeds.

Enforcement and safety considerations at high speed

While parts of the Autobahn permit very fast travel, enforcement focuses on compliance with posted limits, safe following distances, lane discipline, and suitability to conditions. The stakes rise sharply as speed increases, so experienced Autobahn drivers observe several best practices.

• Continuously scan for changing limits on overhead gantries and variable-message signs; limits can drop quickly for congestion or weather.
• Keep right except to pass; the left lane is for overtaking, and speed differentials can be extreme.
• Maintain generous following distances; at 200 km/h (124 mph), stopping distances are several hundred meters.
• Check tire condition, pressure, and speed rating; heat buildup at high speeds can trigger failures.
• Avoid tailgating and aggressive flashes; both are enforceable offenses.
• Form an emergency corridor (Rettungsgasse) during slowdowns or jams—required by law.
• Use common sense in rain, fog, or at night; “appropriate speed” can be far below any posted limit.

Following these practices reduces risk and the likelihood of fines for dangerous driving, even on sections without numeric limits.

Extreme speeds and legal risks

Is there a “highest speed” seen on the Autobahn? Isolated, highly publicized runs have exceeded 300 km/h, and a 2021 video showed a hypercar surpassing 400 km/h on an unrestricted stretch, drawing official scrutiny. While prosecutors did not bring charges in that case, authorities stress that extremely high speeds can still be prosecuted under Germany’s ban on illegal motor racing (§315d StGB) or for reckless endangerment—even without a posted limit—if the driving is deemed grossly unsafe or race-like. In practice, there is no official top speed, but the legal and safety margins narrow steeply as speeds climb.

Bottom line

There is no defined “highest speed” for cars and motorcycles on unrestricted Autobahn sections; drivers may go as fast as conditions safely allow, with a recommended 130 km/h and significant liability and enforcement considerations beyond that. Many stretches have posted limits, and lower statutory caps apply to heavier and towing vehicles.

Summary

Germany’s Autobahn does not impose a universal speed limit for cars and motorcycles on certain sections, but the advisory speed is 130 km/h. Large portions carry posted limits, typically up to 130 km/h, and strict lower maxima apply to trucks, buses, and vehicles with trailers. Extremely high speeds are not per se illegal on unrestricted stretches, yet they can trigger liability or criminal charges if deemed unsafe or reckless.