Autobahn

Germany is known for having a great road network of fine condition and facilities. A famous network of roads and highways in Germany is known through the name of Autobahn, and its American equivalent would probably be the wide, multi-laned freeways running all across the United States.

But Germany's Autobahn motorway is most definitely not for the beginning driver. Motorists using this transport system are all fast and furious. For you to be able to use the Autobahn, your vehicle must be able to run not less than 60 kilometers per hour. Anything slower would not be allowed so don't even think of bringing your grandmother's 1975 Volkswagen Beetle anywhere near the Autobahn.

Just like a freeway, the idea behind the autobahn is a network of roads that has no crossings, meaning it cannot be used by pedestrians, and is limited to the use of certain kinds of vehicles, such as trucks and cars that can cope up with the speed limit. Bicycles, motorcycles and horse-drawn carriages would of course be prohibited from using this express road system.

Motorists driving cars and family vans would be delighted to known that there is no toll fee for these kinds of vehicles at the German autobahns. Trucks and very large vans however, are required to pay a certain amount for toll fee.

In Germany, the autobahn does not necessarily have a maximum speed limit and is in fact known all over the world as one of the few autobahns that do not have a specific blanket speed limit. Vehicles can go as fast as 140 kilometers per hour in German autobahns while others average around 100 to 120 kilometers per hour. In certain parts of the autobahn however, such as areas with on going construction and junctions, certain speed limits apply and cars may need to drive around 80 to 50 kilometers per hour only. Increment weather that may lower visibility and cause slippery roads also call for slower driving and around 80 to 120 kilometers may be a safer rate of vehicle speed.

Be informed however that the suggested maximum speed in the Autobahn is 130 kilometers per hour. For beginning drivers and those who have not used the autobahn previously, it is recommended that they avoid going past this speed limit. In fact, if you are involved in a vehicular accident while driving past 130 km per hour, you might be held liable for the responsibility of the accident so be forewarned and drive safely.