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Motorway (Autobahn)
From this sign, the rules for traffic on Autobahnen apply.
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When you see the Zeichen
From this sign onward, the special traffic rules for the Autobahn apply. Accelerate appropriately on the Beschleunigungsstreifen, pay attention to traffic on the through lane and merge only when there is a sufficient gap.
Rules
- The Autobahn may only be used by motor vehicles whose design-related maximum speed is more than 60 km/h; this also applies to trailers being towed.
- For passenger cars without trailers, there is no general maximum speed unless otherwise indicated by signs; the recommended Richtgeschwindigkeit is 130 km/h. Posted speed limits and a speed appropriate to the conditions must always be observed.
- U-turns, reversing and stopping are prohibited on the Autobahn; this generally also applies to the Seitenstreifen. You may stop there in the event of a breakdown or emergency.
- Entering and leaving is permitted only at the designated junctions. Anyone entering from the Beschleunigungsstreifen must give way to traffic on the through lane.
- When traffic is congested, a Rettungsgasse must be formed immediately between the left-hand lane and the lane directly to its right.
Tips
- Use the Beschleunigungsstreifen to accelerate significantly and look for a sufficiently large gap early on; do not force your way into the traffic.
- After merging, generally keep as far to the right as possible and use the left-hand lanes primarily for overtaking.
- Do not regard the Seitenstreifen as an additional lane. It may only be driven on when explicitly opened for use by Zeichen 223.1.
- Reduce your speed in poor visibility, wet conditions, snow or heavy traffic, even when no speed limit is posted.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign does not automatically mean that you may or must drive at 130 km/h from that point onward. For certain vehicles, 130 km/h is merely the Richtgeschwindigkeit; posted limits and the obligation to drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions still apply.
- Many learner drivers believe that entering traffic has Vorfahrt because of the Reißverschlussverfahren. However, the Reißverschlussverfahren does not apply on the Beschleunigungsstreifen; traffic on the through lane has Vorfahrt.
- The Seitenstreifen may not be used on your own initiative to pass traffic or drive to the next exit during a traffic jam.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap combines Zeichen 330.1 with a question about speed. Without a speed limit, there is generally no maximum speed for a passenger car without a trailer, but the Richtgeschwindigkeit is 130 km/h and the speed must always be adapted to the road, traffic, visibility and weather conditions.
Did you know
The location of the sign is decisive: the Autobahn rules apply from Zeichen 330.1, not only from the end of the Beschleunigungsstreifen or after moving onto the main carriageway.
Frequently asked questions
May I drive faster than 130 km/h on the Autobahn in a passenger car without a trailer?
Yes, if there is no speed limit and the traffic, visibility, weather and road conditions safely allow it. 130 km/h is the Richtgeschwindigkeit, not a general maximum speed; however, exceeding it may have adverse consequences regarding liability in the event of an accident.
Who has Vorfahrt when entering the Autobahn?
Traffic on the through lane has Vorfahrt. Anyone using the Beschleunigungsstreifen must wait for a suitable gap and may not force their way into the traffic.
May I drive on the Seitenstreifen to the next exit?
No, the Seitenstreifen is generally not a traffic lane. It may only be used when explicitly opened for use, for example by Zeichen 223.1, or as appropriate in a genuine emergency.
Where do the Autobahn rules end?
They generally end at Zeichen 330.2 „Ende der Autobahn“. When leaving via an exit, other traffic rules and posted speed limits may apply afterward.
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