Where the Autobahn Has No Speed Limit—and Where It Doesn’t

In Germany, many stretches of the Autobahn have no enforceable speed limit, chiefly on rural sections; however, it is not universal, and an advisory speed of 130 km/h (Richtgeschwindigkeit) applies everywhere. In practice, large portions are controlled by permanent or dynamic limits near cities, in construction zones, and in high-risk areas, so drivers encounter a mix of derestricted and limited sections on any long trip.

Germany’s Autobahn: No general limit, but not everywhere

Germany is the only country with a nationwide motorway network where substantial segments allow drivers of passenger cars to travel at any safe speed. This system relies on a combination of posted limits, variable (electronic) limits, and derestricted zones identified by signage or the absence of a limit after prior restrictions end.

How much of the Autobahn is derestricted?

According to Germany’s Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) and motoring club analyses, roughly two-thirds of Autobahn kilometers have no permanent speed limit on paper, but because of variable controls, traffic, weather, and worksites, only about half of the network is typically derestricted at a given time. The network itself spans roughly 13,000-plus kilometers, and the share of unrestricted roadway can fluctuate by region and season.

Where you will find no speed limit on the Autobahn

Derestricted segments are most common where traffic volumes, roadside development, and geometry allow higher speeds. The following patterns describe where “no limit” is most often found.

• Rural, multi-lane stretches between major interchanges, especially away from dense metro regions.
• Sections with long sight distances, gentle curves, and modern safety barriers.
• Corridors without tunnels, major bridges, or steep grades that trigger safety-based limits.
• Areas without proximity to residential neighborhoods where noise limits would otherwise apply.
• Times and places without active construction, incidents, or adverse weather triggering variable limits.

While these conditions frequently coincide with derestriction, drivers should expect changes: even pristine rural segments can switch to limited operation due to weather, congestion, roadworks, or temporary police orders.

How to recognize an unlimited section

German signage and traffic management make it clear when a speed limit ends or is not in force. Watch for the following indicators while transitioning between limited and derestricted areas.

• The “end of all restrictions” sign (a gray circular sign with five black diagonal stripes) cancels prior limits and overtaking bans on that stretch.
• The “end of speed limit” sign (the same number-in-a-circle with gray and diagonal slash) cancels a specific posted speed.
• Absence of a posted limit after entering the Autobahn or after a cancellation sign, combined with no active electronic limit on gantries, indicates derestriction.
• Variable message signs that are blank or show no numeric limit mean the default conditions apply—on many stretches, that is no enforced limit for cars.

If in doubt, assume a limit may still apply ahead; Germany’s variable control systems can activate quickly in response to traffic, weather, or incidents, and limits apply from the sign onward.

Where speed limits do apply (and why)

Even on the Autobahn, many segments carry permanent or situational speed limits for safety, environmental, and operational reasons. You’ll reliably encounter limits in the following scenarios.

• Urban and metropolitan rings (e.g., Berlin A100, Ruhrgebiet corridors) with dense traffic and short interchange spacing.
• Construction zones, which often impose 60–80 km/h for worker safety and narrowed lanes.
• Tunnels, major bridges, tight curves, steep grades, and known collision “black spots.”
• Environmental and noise-control zones, including nighttime limits near residential areas.
• Variable speed control systems responding to congestion, weather (fog, ice, heavy rain), or incidents.
• Approaches to interchanges, rest areas, and weaving zones where lane-changing is frequent.

These limits can be permanent (fixed signs) or temporary/dynamic (electronic gantries). Always obey the most recent sign; where a limit is shown, it overrides any expectation of derestriction.

Rules still apply on unlimited sections

“No speed limit” never means “no rules.” Germany’s advisory speed (Richtgeschwindigkeit) is 130 km/h for cars and motorcycles; exceeding it is legal but can affect fault and insurance outcomes after a crash if speed is deemed contributory.

In addition, several statutory rules govern vehicles and conduct even on derestricted stretches.

• Vehicle-specific limits: trucks over 3.5 t are generally limited to 80 km/h; cars with trailers to 80 km/h (or 100 km/h with an approved permit/equipment); most buses to 100 km/h.
• Keep right except to overtake; pass on the left only. Lane discipline is strictly enforced.
• Maintain safe following distances; tailgating and aggressive driving incur heavy penalties.
• Adapt speed to visibility, weather, and traffic; unsuitable speed for conditions is punishable even without a posted limit.
• Winter equipment rules apply when conditions require approved winter or all-season tires.

Observing these rules is essential for safety and compliance; failure to do so can lead to fines, license points, or increased liability after an incident.

Outside Germany: Are there other no-limit highways?

Globally, truly no-limit high-speed roads are rare. Many countries operate motorways with high but fixed maximums (typically 110–140 km/h). Only a few places permit derestricted driving in limited contexts.

• Germany: Portions of the Autobahn network allow no enforceable speed limit for cars, subject to signage and conditions.
• Isle of Man: Most rural roads have no general speed limit, though towns and specific zones are limited; this is not a motorway network comparable to Germany’s Autobahn.
• Elsewhere: European and non-European motorways generally have set limits (e.g., 120–140 km/h in much of Europe, 110–140 km/h in parts of the Middle East and Asia, 70–85 mph/113–137 km/h in parts of the United States), so no-limit motorways are not the norm.

For practical purposes, Germany’s Autobahn remains the only major motorway network with extensive derestricted segments, making it unique in global road policy.

Policy debate and what’s changing (2024–2025)

The national discussion over a general 130 km/h speed limit continues. Proponents cite projected reductions in CO2 emissions and crashes; estimates for potential carbon savings commonly range from roughly 1.5 to 2.6 million tons per year, depending on modeling assumptions, while safety benefits are tied to speed homogenization. Opponents emphasize personal freedom, efficient travel during low-traffic conditions, and advanced vehicle safety technology. As of 2025, Germany has not adopted a nationwide Autobahn speed limit; decisions remain a balance among federal policy, state input, and evolving public opinion, with major motoring organizations maintaining a largely neutral stance on a blanket limit.

Summary

The Autobahn has no speed limit in Germany only on clearly signed, derestricted sections—most often rural and geometrically forgiving stretches—while many other segments carry permanent or dynamic limits for safety, environmental, or traffic reasons. The advisory speed is 130 km/h everywhere, and strict driving rules still apply. Outside Germany, true no-limit motorways are essentially nonexistent, underscoring the Autobahn’s unique status in global road systems.

Can you go 200 mph in Germany?

Most of these are switched off (= no limit) under good conditions. In sections of the motorway system without speed limit it is possible to be overtaken by cars or motorcycles travelling over 200 km/h (125 mph). However, a recommended speed limit (Richtgeschwindigkeit) of 130 km/h (81 mph) applies.

Is there a 100 mph speed limit in the USA?

No, there isn’t a 100 mph speed limit on any public roads in the USA. The highest posted speed limit in the country is 85 mph, which is on a toll road in Texas. The speed limit varies significantly by state and is designed for safety, with higher limits generally found on highways and lower ones in urban and residential areas. 
Highest Speed Limit 

• 85 mph (Texas): This is the highest speed limit in the United States and is found on a specific section of State Highway 130, a toll road.

Why No 100 mph Limit?

• Safety and Design: Speed limits are set based on road design, safety studies, and traffic conditions. Many US highways are not designed to safely accommodate speeds of 100 mph. 
• State Authority: Since 1995, individual states have the authority to set their own speed limits, leading to different ranges across the country. 

Penalties for Driving Over 100 mph

• Severe Consequences: Driving 100 mph or more is often a serious offense. 
• Mandatory Penalties: Depending on the state, violations can result in significant fines, points on your driver’s license, and even license suspension. 
• Misdemeanor Charges: In some states, driving at such high speeds can elevate a speeding violation from an infraction to a misdemeanor, leading to even more serious penalties. 

How come the Autobahn has no speed limit?

The government did away with speed limits on every road in 1952, as a way for the liberal, free West Germany to distinguish itself from the communist East.

Where is the Autobahn Highway?

The Autobahn highway system is located primarily in Germany, covering the entire country with an extensive network of high-speed, limited-access roads that connect major cities and regions. While most famously known for sections without speed limits, speed limits do exist in many areas. 
Key characteristics and details:

• Location: Predominantly in Germany, the Autobahn forms the backbone of the country’s transportation and logistics infrastructure. 
• Extent: The German Autobahn network is one of the most extensive in the world, spanning over 12,000 kilometers (7,200 miles). 
• Numbering System: The roads are identified by an “A” followed by a number, with different numbers assigned to routes depending on their direction (odd for north-south, even for east-west). 
• Speed Limits: Although well-known for its no-speed-limit sections, the Autobahn also features many areas with mandatory speed limits. 
• Historical Context: The Autobahn system was initially planned in Germany in the 1930s, with the West German and East German systems merging after German reunification in 1989.