The legal framework for unrestricted sections of the Autobahn is set out in the following regulation:
Egulation – Advisory Speed Limit on the Autobahn
(Verordnung - Autobahn-Richtgeschwindigkeit - V)
The Regulation on a General Advisory Speed Limit on Motorways and Similar Roads (Verordnung über eine allgemeine Richtgeschwindigkeit auf Autobahnen und ähnlichen Straßen), commonly referred to as the Autobahn Advisory Speed Limit Regulation (Autobahn-Richtgeschwindigkeit - V), states:
Section 1
Drivers of passenger cars and other motor vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tonnes are advised, even under favorable road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions,
- on motorways (sign 330.1),
- on roads outside built-up areas with carriageways for one direction of travel that are separated by a central reservation or other structural features, and
- on roads outside built-up areas with at least two lanes in each direction marked by lane boundary markings (sign 295) or lane guide markings (sign 340),
not to exceed a speed of 130 km/h (Autobahn advisory speed limit).
This does not apply where maximum speed limits (sign 274) are prescribed by the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) or indicated by traffic signs.
Conclusion
As can be seen from the legal text, an advisory speed of 130 km/h is recommended. Exceeding this advisory speed does not constitute a criminal offense, an administrative offense, or a violation of the German Road Traffic Regulations (Straßenverkehrsordnung (StVO)).
German Road Traffic Regulations (Straßenverkehrsordnung (StVO))
The German Road Traffic Regulations (Straßenverkehrsordnung – StVO) are a statutory regulation of the Federal Republic of Germany.
They define the rules that apply to all road users.
In addition to traffic regulations, the StVO also explains traffic signs and their meanings.
The most important signs for Autobahn enthusiasts are summarized below.
Sign 282 – End of All Speed and Overtaking Restrictions
Sign 330.1 – Start of the Autobahn / Motorway
