The German Autobahn, which translates to “federal motorway” is one of those highways that have no federally mandated speed limit. For this article, we’ll be looking at some lesser known facts about the Autobahn.
1. Speed Limits
Yes, despite the fact that there are not mandated speed limits on the Autobahn, roughly half the highway does have a speed limit, but unlike Malaysia’s 110 km/h (some stretches are 80 km/h to 90 km/h), the Autobahn’s recommended speed limit for those particular stretches is 130 km/h. There is also a minimum speed limit (something that should be enforced here) of 60 km/h. Cant break the 60 km/h limit? Then its no bueno on the Autobahn.
2. Lane Hogging
The German police can and will pull you over, if you’re hogging the left lane for far too long. The left lanes are supposed to be used as an overtaking lane, and not your cruising lane (many Malaysians love to hog the overtaking lane). Also, it is illegal to overtake from the right lane, no matter how clear it is. The rule is simple, overtake on the left, then move back to the centre lane.
3. Distance
Work on the original stretch of the Autobahn started in 1935, with a length of 108 km. Over the years, the length of the Autobahn has grown. As of today, the length of the Autobahn is about 12,845 km. That’s almost 17 times longer than our North South Expressway (from Bukit Kayu Hitam to Johor Bahru is 742 km).
4. Tolls
Surprise surprise. The Autobahn is free of tolls. At least for passenger vehicles, but for trucks weighing more than 12 tonnes will have to pay a fee. The Germans have an ingenious way of charging trucks by the pollution class of the vehicle, vehicle weight and number of axles the vehicle has. On average, each kilometer on the Autobahn costs a truck driver €0.15 (about Rm0.63). Also exempted from tolls are emergency vehicles and buses.
5. Stopping
You are not allowed to stop on the Autobahn. Short and simple. Even if you do give the excuse that your car has ran out of fuel, the answer will be rejected as there are petrol stations every 50 – 55 km of the Autobahn. The only time you are allowed to stop is when you’ve gotten into an accident. Even so, you are required to place the safety triangle 200 meters away from your car. (tree branches are not an option)
