Speed limits in Germany

The default limits for cars

Inside towns (innerorts): 50 km/h – from the yellow town sign on.
Outside towns (außerorts): 100 km/h.
Autobahn and roads with separated carriageways: no general limit, but a recommended speed (Richtgeschwindigkeit) of 130 km/h.
With a trailer: 80 km/h.

Signs always take priority over the default limits. Many town streets are 30 km/h zones (Tempo-30-Zone), and many stretches of Autobahn do have a speed limit.

Special situations

Visibility below 50 metres because of fog, snow or rain: maximum 50 km/h.
With snow chains: maximum 50 km/h.
Traffic-calmed area (verkehrsberuhigter Bereich, the blue sign with a house and playing children): walking pace.

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No limit does not mean no responsibility

Even on the Autobahn without a sign you must drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see. If you crash at well above 130 km/h, you can be held partly responsible even if someone else caused the accident.

Speeding as a new driver

During the probation period, exceeding the limit by more than 20 km/h counts as a serious (A) offence. It means an advanced seminar and a probation period extended to four years.

German terms to know

Höchstgeschwindigkeit – maximum speed
innerorts / außerorts – inside / outside towns
Richtgeschwindigkeit – recommended speed
Schrittgeschwindigkeit – walking pace

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